Elise stared at William standing before her.

He had called her repeatedly throughout the day. Multiple WhatsApp messages remained unread on her phone. She hadn't intended to ignore him. The day had been relentlessly demanding. After work ended, she faced Brandon's retaliatory confrontation. Breathing room felt like a distant luxury.

Elise assumed William would wait until tomorrow to reconnect. Yet here he stood. Three in the morning. Appearing as if from thin air.

She didn't understand how he always located her. Given William's formidable resources, he could probably find her even if she hid underground.

Samuel observed William's sudden arrival. Surprise flickered across his features.

Hadn't William publicly confirmed his relationship with Victoria? Victoria departed mere moments ago. Now William sought out Elise immediately after? At this ungodly hour?

Elise never explicitly denied their affair during their last phone call. Samuel knew her character well. She would never consent to being anyone's secret mistress.

Samuel clenched his jaw. He decided to observe the unfolding scene.

William strode directly toward them. He completely disregarded Samuel. His intense gaze locked solely on Elise. "Finished here?" he asked.

"Yes," Elise replied softly.

"Let's go." William reached out. His hand closed around hers, pulling her close.

A seamless understanding flowed between them. Elise offered no resistance despite his engagement. William showed no anger finding her with Samuel.

Their mutual trust appeared unshakable. External circumstances couldn't undermine their profound connection.

Samuel watched them walk away together. They treated him as invisible. As insignificant as air.

His fists clenched involuntarily. Tightened until his knuckles turned white.

Elise was a woman of dignity and pride. Would she truly degrade herself as William's mistress?

Fury simmered in his chest. Nowhere to release the building pressure. His phone chose that moment to ring.

"Sophia," Samuel answered immediately.

"How did it go, Samuel? I waited all night for your call. I was so worried." Sophia's anxious voice carried through the receiver.

Her genuine concern soothed Samuel's raging emotions. His turbulent heart calmed slightly.

Remembering Sophia's unwavering support comforted him. Last night, she called him late, tears choking her words. She lamented her inability to assist him properly.

It took considerable patience to extract the full story. Benjamin refused to invest additional capital into their family company. Sophia pleaded with her father unsuccessfully. Their argument grew heated. Overwhelmed by Mitchell Corp's precarious situation, she broke down completely.

Samuel's mood already teetered on edge. Constant discussions about Mitchell Corp's decline worsened it. Listening to Sophia's endless weeping tested his limits momentarily. He lost control and snapped at her.

Instead of anger, Sophia blamed herself entirely. Finally, she suggested Elise could restore Mitchell Corp to its former glory.

That's how Samuel learned about Stellar Group's new brand collaboration initiative. Given Elise's current influence, any partnership with her guaranteed profitability. Securing that project would save Mitchell Corp.

Samuel understood Elise's nature perfectly. She wouldn't willingly help Mitchell Corp. Yet Sophia persistently encouraged him to appease Elise into cooperation.

Desperation drove Samuel to attempt anything. He learned about the conflict between Brandon and Elise. Knowing Brandon's character, retaliation seemed inevitable. By positioning himself as Elise's rescuer, perhaps she would feel indebted. Maybe her heart would soften toward him again.