William didn't hold back his admiration.

"That's brilliant."

For some reason, Elise felt her cheeks warm. It was as if William was speaking to her like a child, and she wasn't accustomed to this dynamic with him.

She quickly changed the subject. "On the phone, you said you'd tell me about Elizabeth. Well?"

William's expression darkened slightly, but he replied, "I hesitated to tell you because you're struggling to protect yourself right now. But I would never dare keep it from you."

Elise pressed her lips together, slightly annoyed by his choice of words. 'Never dare'? He was definitely being petty.

"Anyway, Elizabeth had an accident on set last night. She's in the hospital now..."

"What?!"

"Don't panic. She's stable. It was somewhat serious—a liver rupture causing significant internal bleeding. But she's conscious now and should be discharged within a week."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Elise exclaimed, a flash of anger in her eyes.

"I should be at the hospital with her."

She remembered clearly how Elizabeth had always been a fiercely loyal friend, showering her with unwavering kindness and support. How could she not be by her side now in her time of need?!

After reviewing the bank records, he called Elise.

"I've found something."

"What is it?" Elise asked. She had been holed up at home, meticulously preparing for her own trial, searching for any oversight her opponent might have made.

"I'll come over to discuss it," William said.

"Alright," Elise agreed immediately, then remembered something else.

"Elizabeth's phone is switched off. What kind of event requires her to turn it off completely?"

The apartment felt strangely hollow and quiet without Elizabeth's presence.

"I'll explain later," William said evasively.

Elise had a strong suspicion he was withholding information.

Elizabeth hadn't answered her calls last night, and later William called saying Elizabeth wouldn't be back because of an event. She hadn't thought much of it initially; the entertainment industry was unpredictable, and last-minute schedule changes were common.

But now, with Elizabeth's phone completely off, a knot of unease tightened in her stomach.

In less than thirty minutes, William was in her apartment, showing her the bank ledgers he had obtained for Helen Williams.

"She made multiple transfers to this account, each for a substantial amount," he explained.

"My team investigated it. The account belongs to an illegal gambling ring. It's highly likely Helen has a gambling problem and accumulated a massive debt. You know how ruthless those people are. Debtors often end up maimed... or worse. There's a strong possibility she fabricated that account to frame you to pay off her debts." Elise nodded in agreement.

"We have her motive, but the crucial point now is the money's origin. Have you found the source?"

"It was wired from various accounts, none traceable back to Sophia," William admitted.

"But I'm investigating each account holder. There will be a lead there somewhere."

"But time isn't on our side," Elise said, her voice laced with concern. Despite her faith in William's capabilities, the ticking clock was a formidable enemy.

"I'll do everything I can," William promised.

Elise didn't press further and returned to structuring her defense.

"It occurred to me today that Samantha mentioned the bank's security cameras were malfunctioning on the day that fake account was created. While it doesn't definitively prove I wasn't there, I can actually prove I wasn't anywhere near the bank that day."

William's eyes widened slightly, his gaze filled with clear appreciation.

Elise was remarkably sharp.

He himself had been so focused on building the case around Helen that he had overlooked this particular angle.

"I've been trying hard to recall,"

Elise continued, "I was working at Stellar Group the entire day and went straight home afterwards. I've asked Matthew to discreetly obtain the security footage from the office building and my apartment complex. It should serve as solid evidence in court."