"I need to stand on my own feet, Samantha," Elizabeth's voice trembled over the phone.

Samantha swallowed hard, tears pooling in her eyes.

Elizabeth continued, "I know you both care deeply about me, but this is something I must face alone."

"We've been friends since childhood. You remember how much I adored the Levines, how blessed I felt to be part of their family. Now everything lies in ruins..."

"It's not about the wealth or status. It's my heart that's shattered."

"Even if you shelter me and provide everything, nothing will change unless I learn to rebuild myself."

"That's not true," Samantha protested, her voice cracking.

"Having you nearby would make me feel secure, and I understand your desire for me to grow. But I can't do that while leaning on you. We wouldn't pry if you're concerned about us being overprotective—you'd have your freedom!"

"My pride won't allow me to accept charity—"

"You consider our friendship charity?!" Samantha's voice sharpened with hurt and anger.

"Precisely because I value our bond that I refuse to taint it."

"Liz—"

"I called to reassure you that I'm fighting to survive. If the day comes when I'm completely broken, when I've lost all dignity and hope... I'll come to you willingly."

"Elizabeth!"

"Consider yourselves my safety net."

The line went dead.

Samantha immediately redialed, but Elizabeth had powered off her phone.

Frustrated, Samantha turned to Elise with tear-filled eyes—how could they find Elizabeth when she deliberately concealed her whereabouts?!

"What do we do, Elise?" Samantha pleaded.

Elise shook her head helplessly.

Should they honor Elizabeth's wishes or forcibly bring her back? "Elizabeth has never known true hardship since childhood," Samantha murmured anxiously.

"I fear she won't survive out there... How will she manage alone?"

"This isn't just about personal growth or facing challenges—she's trying to protect us too," Elise observed, revealing Elizabeth's underlying motive.

Pain deepened in Samantha's expression.

"She's always been too kind for her own good. She knows helping her would mean confronting the Levines, and she doesn't want us facing their wrath."

"How can she be so foolish?!" Samantha snapped, tears threatening to fall.

"She's devastated yet still worrying about us?! I'd never abandon her, even if it meant severing ties with my in-laws!"

"That's exactly what she fears," Elise sighed.

"Hence her refusal of our assistance."

Samantha fell silent, frustration evident in her clenched fists. "Even if she's trying to be noble and shield us from trouble, doesn't she realize watching her suffer pains us equally?!"

"Perhaps we should respect her decision," Elise suggested quietly. Meeting Samantha's gaze, she clarified, "Since this is her choice, we should support her. Sometimes rock bottom becomes the foundation for rebirth."

Memories of her own past surfaced—abandoned by the Scotts, yet she had risen stronger than ever.

That ordeal forged her resilience, and she believed Elizabeth possessed similar strength.

Beneath her gentle exterior, Elizabeth harbored unexpected fortitude. Overcoming this trial would transform her. This suffering was merely part of her metamorphosis.

"Let's give her space while discreetly monitoring her situation," Elise added—primarily concerned Elizabeth might encounter genuine danger.

They could allow her time to grow, but couldn't let society destroy her.

"I'll do what I can to help her." Samantha nodded, accepting Elise's proposal.

"I'll also find ways to keep track of her," Elise promised. "If you locate her, don't reveal yourself. Just watch over her silently."

"Understood."

With their agreement settled, Samantha departed promptly—she had legal documents to prepare for tomorrow's hearing.

Elise's eyes narrowed at the reminder.