Elise smiled scornfully before walking away, leaving Sophia and Amanda watching her retreat.

Amanda nearly screamed at the sight of that arrogant expression.

"Enough!" Samuel snapped suddenly, his face dark with anger as he directed all his blame toward Amanda. "Haven't you humiliated yourself enough with your ridiculous behavior? Don't pick up her terrible manners, Sophia."

With those sharp words, he stormed off in a fury.

Amanda's eyes welled with tears.

Her own brother had scolded her when it was Sophia who suggested they report Elise!

She turned on Sophia viciously. "Why didn't you say anything to defend me?"

"I... I didn't get a chance," Sophia stammered, looking genuinely hurt. "Samuel left before I could speak."

Swallowing her frustration, Amanda turned and marched away in a huff.

The brief disturbance involving Elise didn't affect the banquet's atmosphere.

The elite of Crestwood continued mingling and networking, all while waiting for the Levine family's appearance.

Suddenly, a group of men in black suits entered through the main doors.

All eyes turned toward the imposing newcomers, and the grand hall fell into an immediate hush.

Most guests had never seen William Levine in person. While they suspected this might be his arrival, nobody could be certain.

Only Samuel approached the group of black-clad men with confidence.

"Mr. Levine," he greeted Samuel Wilson as everyone watched, extending his hand for a handshake as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Samuel Wilson's eyes widened slightly, confused by Samuel Mitchell's behavior.

He glanced toward his boss for direction.

Samuel Mitchell followed his gaze, and his face immediately fell.

That firefighter had somehow managed to infiltrate William Levine's security team, standing right beside the man himself!

William gave Samuel Wilson a subtle nod.

Taking the cue, Samuel Wilson shook Samuel Mitchell's hand.

Without another word, the men in black moved through the crowd, heading directly toward the VIP lounge behind the banquet hall.

Once they disappeared, the hall erupted with conversation again.

Simultaneously, countless envious glances were directed at Samuel Mitchell. Several wealthy heirs he associated with quickly gathered around him.

"Don't forget to introduce us to Mr. Levine personally later, Samuel!"

"You're probably the only person here who actually knows him!"

"Remember your friends when you're in William's inner circle."

Samuel maintained a humble demeanor, but he couldn't completely conceal his inner satisfaction.

As the premier business family in Crestwood, the Levines possessed staggering wealth and extensive connections. Every powerful family in the city longed to align themselves with William Levine.

Being the first to greet him tonight was undoubtedly a significant honor.

Once this news spread, his family's influence would undoubtedly increase!

This triumph helped ease the irritation Elise had caused him earlier.

Unable to resist, he sought her out in the crowd.

As Elise frowned at his approach, Samuel sneered, "I never imagined a simple firefighter could worm his way into William Levine's inner circle."

Elise looked at Samuel as if he were a complete fool.

Did he still not understand? That "firefighter" was William Levine himself?

Even a child could recognize the commanding presence William carried—though the comparison felt somewhat undignified.