Elise held James's small hand as they approached the main exit of Aurora Plaza. Suddenly, a figure stepped directly into their path, blocking their way.

"What's the matter? Regretting your payment already?" Elise narrowed her eyes at Samuel, who was breathing heavily.

"I'm not that petty," he panted, trying to catch his breath. "The money is paid. It's done. My family won't miss such an amount."

A cold smile touched Elise's lips. The irony wasn't lost on her—she was the one who had earned that fortune for his family, working herself to the bone for it.

Samuel ignored her mocking expression and pressed on. "You've been ignoring my calls. My messages too."

"Have you forgotten your position—"

"Even though we've broken up, we can still be friends."

"That's your perspective," Elise replied coolly, her gaze icy. "You no longer exist in my world. I don't associate with people of questionable character."

"There's no need to be so harsh—"

"What do you want?!" Elise snapped, cutting him off with clear impatience.

Samuel took a deep breath, visibly forcing himself to remain calm. "I asked the store assistant. She said that little boy's tailcoat costs over a hundred thousand."

He was referring to James, who was now frowning up at Samuel, his small face scrunched in displeasure.

"And your point?" Elise raised an elegant eyebrow.

"Even though you've taken control of Stellar Group and the company is valuable, this kind of reckless spending will drain you dry! How many times must I tell you—that firefighter is only after your money! Once it's all gone, you'll mean nothing to him!"

Samuel grew more agitated with each word, but Elise remained utterly unmoved.

"I told you, my affection isn't for sale!" she retorted sharply, her voice like ice.

"And save your crocodile tears. I'm not falling for that act again."

With that final dismissal, Elise turned to leave, James's hand securely in hers.

"Elise Scott!" Samuel suddenly grabbed her wrist, his grip firm.

Elise's brow furrowed in immediate displeasure.

Samuel, however, was boiling with frustration—her arrogance was pushing him beyond his limits! His patience had reached its end.

"Release me!" Elise commanded sharply.

Samuel only tightened his hold. "We loved each other once. I'm still trying to be reasonable here. How can you just—ahh!"

He suddenly cried out in pain, his face contorting.

Even Elise stared in shock as James suddenly bit down hard on Samuel's hand. Samuel instinctively jerked back, but not before clear, deep teeth marks were left on his skin.

"What are you doing?!" Samuel snapped at the boy.

James's face was flushed with childish fury. "If you bully my mommy again, I'll roll on the floor and tell everyone you hit me! I'm just a kid—I'm not afraid of making a scene!"

Samuel glared at the little boy, but found himself genuinely threatened by this bold child in the middle of a public place. He was seething with anger, yet had no outlet for his rage.

"Let's go, Mommy!" James declared, holding tightly to Elise's hand while positioning himself protectively in front of her, his small frame radiating surprising determination.

Warmth flooded Elise's chest. "Alright, sweetheart. We need to get you home for your bath."

Samuel's knuckles were white with fury at Elise's blatant contempt. He shouted viciously after her retreating back, "You'll regret this, Elise Scott! Don't come crawling back to me later!"

"Don't worry," Elise retorted without turning around. "That will never happen."

Samuel's glare was dark and sinister—he would personally witness how long her stubborn pride would last!

Once they were settled in the car, Elise pulled out her phone to text William. She wasn't sure if his meeting had concluded.

[We've left Aurora Plaza. Where should I take James?]

The reply came instantly, as always.

[Working late. Please watch him for me.]

Seriously? Just how busy was he?!

[The entire evening?]

[I'll come by to pick him up later.]

[Later? What time exactly?]