Elizabeth's voice trembled with righteous fury. Henry's expression darkened immediately.

When Henry Levine became serious, his presence could freeze the entire room.

"Speak another word of defiance," he warned coldly, "and you'll share William's fate. This conversation is over. Do not involve yourself in matters beyond your understanding."

Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest, but Lawrence intervened gently. "Miss York, perhaps it's best to stop here."

Tears welled in Elizabeth's eyes as she bit her lip. She knew arguing with her grandfather when he had made up his mind was futile. Turning abruptly, she stormed out of the study.

Even if the whole world stood against her, she would find a way to save Elise! As she flung the door open, Ethan stood waiting outside. He took in her tear-streaked face and puffy eyes—clear evidence the discussion had gone poorly.

Elizabeth quickly composed herself upon seeing Ethan. She refused to show any vulnerability in front of him.

Still, Ethan attempted to comfort her. "Many factors were considered in this decision. Your grandfather isn't being heartless—"

"Save your false sympathy, Ethan," Elizabeth snapped, her gaze turning icy. "Just be a good obedient dog and keep quiet!"

With those cutting words, she marched away. Ethan swallowed hard, waiting several moments before finally knocking on the study door.

Truthfully, he had intended to reason with Henry about William even before Elizabeth's arrival.

Losing all contact with William made finding solutions nearly impossible. They needed to address this problem at its source.

When Henry saw Ethan enter, he asked coolly, "Have you come to plead Elise Scott's case too?"

"Yes," Ethan confirmed.

"You're not Elizabeth," Henry growled. "She's young and impulsive, guided by emotion. You should know better."

Despite the warning, Ethan spoke earnestly. "I'll simply present my perspective, Father. Consider it if you wish. I'll say no more if you command me to stop."

Henry hesitated briefly before responding, "Proceed."

"The evidence against Elise is clearly fabricated by the Stuarts—I'm certain you're aware. However, I believe this was a miscalculation on their part."

Henry remained silent, tacitly acknowledging the point.

"William hasn't protested his engagement to Victoria because he currently lacks the power to do so. He must balance protecting Elise with considering our family's interests. But there are limits to his tolerance." Ethan paused meaningfully. "If Elise actually goes to prison because of the Stuarts' schemes, do you think William will remain passive? I'm absolutely certain he would retaliate with everything he has. The consequences would be catastrophic—something I know you wish to avoid. That's why, for our family's sake and William's, you shouldn't interfere."

Henry's fingers tightened around his teacup, but he didn't interrupt, allowing Ethan to continue.

"That brings me to my second point—it concerns James."

Henry's attention sharpened, his gaze fully focusing on Ethan now.