Elise had lost all track of time.

She didn't know how long William had been applying the ointment, or if he was even finished.

Her patience was wearing dangerously thin when she suddenly felt the cool touch of his lips against the small of her back, far from the bruised area.

She spun around instantly.

Stumbling back, she pressed herself against the cold surface of the mirror.

Her entire body bristled with tension as she snapped at him, "What was that? You said you weren't interested!"

"I couldn't resist."

"Have you forgotten you're engaged?" Elise exploded.

Could he possibly be more of a scoundrel?

William, however, replied with unnerving clarity, "No. I'm not married yet."

"Engaged is practically the same thing! The wedding is just a formality at this point," she shot back.

"Or do you think you have free rein to fool around until you actually say 'I do'? Are legal contracts the only thing that can make you control yourself?"

Her tirade actually left him speechless.

The truth was, he had been utterly bewitched.

He had failed to stop himself from kissing her.

Her body was a temptation he could never resist, and he had severely overestimated his own self-control.

"It's late, Mr. Levine. You should go home," Elise said, her tone leaving no room for argument as she dismissed him.

William stepped out over the threshold.

He paused, turning back to say, "You can't apply that ointment properly by yourself. I've spoken with Elizabeth. She's cutting her trip short and will be back tomorrow morning to help you."

"Understood."

"Goodnight—"

Slam!

The door was shut firmly in William's face.

He stood there for a long moment, staring at the wood, his nose mere inches from it.

He truly had intended to keep his distance.

But every single time he saw Elise, the yearning became an unstoppable force.

Six months.

He made a silent vow to himself.

He would have everything sorted out within six months.

Yet, he could never have predicted what would transpire in less than a week.

Life, after all, has a way of disrupting the best-laid plans.

During the final partner confirmation vote for Stellar Group's tender, as the executives were about to cast their ballots, three prosecutors suddenly entered through the main doors.

All eyes turned toward the three men in sharp suits.

The leader, flashing his official badge at Elise, stated solemnly, "We're prosecutors from the Crestwood jurisdiction. I'm Michael Jefferson. This is my identification."

A cold dread settled in Elise's stomach, but her composure didn't crack.

The room, filled with representatives from major corporations, erupted into hushed whispers, all staring at her.

"We've received an anonymous tip alleging that you bribed Henry Carter, Deputy Commissioner of the Tax Bureau, with over a million dollars," Michael Jefferson declared, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "The purpose was to interfere with tax reviews and conceal approximately seven million dollars in unreported income. You are hereby being taken into custody on charges of bribery and tax evasion. Please come with us and cooperate with our investigation."

As he spoke, another prosecutor produced a formal arrest warrant.

Elise blinked, utterly stunned.

Bribery? Tax evasion?

She was being framed.

And in that instant, she knew with absolute certainty who was behind it.

Only Victoria Stuart had the resources and audacity to orchestrate something on this scale, involving political figures.

She had finally made her move against Elise.

"Right now?" Elise asked, her voice remarkably steady.

"Immediately," Michael Jefferson replied coolly.

"Very well," Elise acquiesced, her calm demeanor intact.

"May I have a moment to speak with my secretary? I need to give instructions for my absence."

"Of course."