"I had no other choice given the circumstances!" William argued, his voice edged with frustration.

My defiance only makes everything worse, especially when I can't stand up to my grandfather's authority.

"Then what makes you believe you can convince me everything will be different in six months?"

Her sharp response left William speechless. He had no words that could persuade her, particularly when his actions couldn't back up his promises.

"Maybe my doubts aren't about your capabilities," Elise said coldly, "but about my own feelings. I simply don't love you enough. We should end this now before we get in too deep."

Elise reached for the door handle once more.

Enough of this emotional turmoil.

She wanted nothing more to do with him.

"Keep the car. Just have Robert return it whenever he's available."

Elise stepped out of the vehicle and walked away with determined strides. As far as she was concerned, this was the end for her and William.

But as she entered the elevator, William suddenly forced the doors open. Before she could react, he rushed inside and pinned her against the wall, crushing his lips against hers in a desperate kiss.

Elise froze for a moment before struggling violently. She pushed against his chest with both hands, but he remained immovable.

Her resistance only fueled his intensity. He kissed her with bruising force, as if trying to prove something through physical connection. His body pressed so tightly against hers that not even air could come between them.

Elise's eyes narrowed dangerously. She bit down hard on his lip.

William flinched from the pain but didn't pull away. Instead, she tasted blood as he deepened the kiss with renewed desperation.

Eventually, Elise's clenched fists relaxed. She stopped fighting, surrendering to the numbness that washed over her.

After what felt like an eternity, William finally broke the kiss.

Perhaps it was the salty taste of her tears that stopped him.

He stiffened and slowly pulled back, his eyes widening at the sight of her swollen lips. Panic flashed across his face as he reached up with trembling fingers to wipe her tears. "I'm sorry, I just—"

"It's fine," Elise replied in a flat, emotionless tone.

William's expression tightened. He watched as tears continued to stream down her face while she maintained that icy composure. Then, to his horror, she began unbuttoning her blazer.

The tailored garment fell to the floor in a heap. Her fingers moved to the buttons of her white shirt, revealing the lace of her blue bra beneath.

"Elise!" William grabbed her wrists, stopping her from undressing further.

"That first time was amazing, wasn't it?" Elise said calmly. "And now you're regretting not getting another chance?"

Rage ignited in William's eyes, turning them bloodshot with fury.

"How many times do you need?" Elise continued in that same detached voice. "I'll satisfy whatever you want. Then can we be done with this?"

BANG!

William's fist slammed into the elevator wall beside her head with violent force. His knuckles bled as he glared at her, veins bulging with anger. Elise didn't even flinch, calmly accepting that the blow could have landed on her instead.

After all, she had deliberately provoked him.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open.