Silence reclaimed the room.

Elise's words had struck William speechless.

Their eyes remained locked in a tense standoff.

Then, a wistful smile touched William's lips.

"Is working with me truly that unbearable, Elise?"

A sharp pang pierced Elise's chest.

William had always exuded authority and control.

Yet now, his voice carried a raw vulnerability, a heartbreaking helplessness that surprised her.

Still, she held her ground. "I made my position clear after your engagement to Victoria Stuart was announced."

Her voice was steady, firm. "We don't share a closeness that obligates me to endure hardships for you."

She took a sharp breath. "In fact, the Stuarts are targeting me because of my association with you. I lack the resources to fight their power."

Her gaze was unwavering. "Why should I suffer for the complications between you and Victoria? Do you consider that fair?"

Elise's resolve was an impenetrable fortress.

William felt the distance between them widening, an unbridgeable chasm.

All his persistent efforts seemed futile now, only breeding her resentment and causing her harm.

A dark thought surfaced: perhaps he should simply surrender. Accept the role of a pawn, marry a woman he felt nothing for, just to grant Elise the peace she so clearly desired.

His fists clenched, then slowly relaxed.

"Give me a chance," he implored, his voice quiet, stripped of its usual command. It was a humble plea.

Elise bit her lower lip, the pressure a small, sharp pain.

He made a promise, pouring the last vestiges of his hope into the words. "If I fail to protect you from any harm, I will marry Victoria. I will cease to be a part of your life. Completely."

Elise's immediate instinct was a firm refusal.

Distrust was her default where William was concerned.

It had taken root when she discovered he'd hidden the truth about James being her son, all while relentlessly pursuing her.

She remained convinced his interest was a facade, a sophisticated revenge for her past rejection and for abandoning James.

That belief held firm even now.

No matter his actions, she would guard her rationality. She would not take foolish risks.

She was weary of suffering because of men.

Samuel was gone from her life. Now William stood before her. She was simply exhausted.

Men held no significant place in her future plans. Her hope resided solely in James.

Yet, in this moment...

She acquiesced.

"Fine."

As a businesswoman, she saw the logic in this arrangement. It was a practical deal.

She had no desire to face imprisonment for crimes she didn't commit. This alliance, however temporary, offered a layer of protection.

A subtle wave of relief washed over William at her agreement.

He hadn't realized how tense he was until he felt the cold sweat on his palms.

"Review the case details," Elise stated, her tone all business as she handed him a file.

She offered no further conversation.

William accepted the documents, his expression turning grave and focused.

He studied the pages with intense solemnity.

He remained seated there, silent and absorbed, for a very long time.