Samantha stepped out of the car reluctantly. "I can park it in the basement," she offered.

"I need to borrow it," Andrew stated flatly.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Where are you going? I could drive you."

"Just get out," he insisted impatiently.

With clenched teeth, Samantha exited the vehicle. She watched helplessly as Andrew drove away. This was her only car. Working late nights made her feel vulnerable taking taxis home.

Andrew never considered others' needs.

Elizabeth arrived at Levine Manor that afternoon. She stormed toward Henry's study, fury in her steps. A strong hand gripped her arm firmly.

"Elizabeth."

Seeing Ethan only twisted her features with anger. "Release me!"

"Calm down first. I know you want to confront him about Elise, but charging in won't help—"

"She's not your concern! You've never tried to find solutions—that's why you think it's hopeless! You're just worried I'll upset Grandfather and disrupt the family, dragging you into it! I know you feel insecure here as an adopted son. I understand you prioritize keeping Grandfather pleased so you belong here. But don't build your security on others' suffering!"

Elizabeth shouted every word so loudly that servants throughout the manor froze in stunned silence.

Before Ethan could respond, an aged voice spoke from the study doorway. "Ethan, let her come in."

Elizabeth immediately slapped Ethan's hand away. Before entering, she hissed coldly, "And don't ever touch me again."

She marched into the study, slamming the door behind her. She went straight to the point. "Grandfather! What have you done to William?"

"He's my grandson. What would I do to him?"

Henry smiled faintly—handling his granddaughter was always straightforward.

"Why are you keeping him overseas? Why won't you let him return?!"

"He's engaged. He shouldn't involve himself in others' troubles."

"You forced that engagement! You know he doesn't love Victoria!"

"Feelings develop over time—"

"I won't debate relationships with you! Businessmen think money solves everything—it's pointless. I'm asking you, as a respected citizen with social responsibility, why won't you help another citizen when you can? Or do you prefer siding with wickedness?"

Henry's eyes narrowed dangerously, but Elizabeth continued her furious tirade.

"Even I can see Elise is being framed! Someone with your experience must sense something wrong! You know dark schemes are at play, yet you ignore them! You're stopping my own cousin from doing what's right! Does your conscience not ache?! Levine Holdings has a reputation! However calculating you are, you shouldn't abandon conscience!"

"This doesn't concern me. Elise Scott means nothing to me. Why should I help her? Life is short—minding your own business is perfectly fine. Or do you think I can fix every injustice worldwide?"

"I'm not asking that! Just let William help Elise—"

"Enough," Henry cut her off sharply. "Elise's troubles are her own. She wouldn't suffer if she knew what was good for her. Everyone pays for their choices!"

"Then William should pay!" Elizabeth snapped bluntly. "He's the one who pursued Elise persistently! He's the one who caused this! It's his fault! He should resolve this instead of letting a vulnerable woman be bullied!"