The hospital room was deathly quiet.

Ethan stood facing Elizabeth York.

Her eyes were like ice.

The hatred in her gaze was unmistakable.

She despised him completely.

To her, he was a walking curse. If he hadn't hired that stunt double, if that accident hadn't happened on his set, her secret would still be safe. She would still be a Levine. Ethan Parker had ruined everything. Her life had been nothing but trouble since the day they met.

"Get some rest."

His voice was calm, as if the deep gash on her forehead meant nothing.

She didn't want his fake concern.

She would accept kindness from anyone but him.

The moment Ethan stepped out of her room, he staggered.

William Levine quickly reached out to steady him.

"Are you okay?"

Ethan's vision swam. It took him a moment to find his balance.

"I'm fine."

"How much blood did you give her?" William asked, his tone concerned.

"Enough," Ethan replied vaguely.

William didn't push further.

"Let's get that wound treated."

"Right."

They walked to the clinic. As the doctor cleaned and bandaged the cut on Ethan's forehead, William spoke quietly.

"Despite everything Elizabeth has done, I have to stand with my aunt."

Ethan remained silent. He didn't agree, but he had no argument to offer.

"Even if this is a conflict between the older generation, and Elizabeth is caught in the middle, she's still the center of this storm," William explained. "She's an unwilling participant, but my aunt isn't wrong to be ruthless. Anyone in her position would struggle to accept that their own daughter suffered while another woman's child lived in luxury. Especially when that child belongs to her father's mistress—a product of his infidelity."

Ethan nodded slowly. He understood Nancy Levine's thirst for justice.

No one could easily accept such a profound betrayal.

"I'm not telling you to stay away from Elizabeth. I'm just saying you need to be prepared for the consequences of your choices. Whatever happens, my loyalty lies with my aunt," William stated clearly.

"I understand," Ethan replied.

From William's perspective, his priority was clear—the stability of the Levine family. Supporting Elizabeth would create internal conflict.

Family harmony was paramount. Once that was broken, everything could fall apart.

The strength of the Levine family had always been their unity.

They respected each other, cared for each other, made sacrifices for one another, and depended on each other.

That was the true reason the Levine fortune had remained strong for generations.