Samuel left the hospital and drove straight to Scott Manor.

Benjamin Scott was waiting impatiently in the grand foyer. "Did Elise agree to end the engagement?" he demanded.

Samuel shook his head, his gaze drifting toward Sophia Mitchell who stood demurely nearby. "We've separated. The formal dissolution is just a matter of time." He turned his attention fully to Sophia. "I'm sorry to make you wait again, my dear."

Sophia's eyes softened as she shook her head. "Don't apologize. Being with you is all that matters, Samuel."

His heart melted at her gentle words—this was exactly why he'd chosen her over Elise.

Still, he maintained his composure. "I went to see Elise at the hospital. She was already with another man—that firefighter from last night."

"Some things never change!" Benjamin snapped. "You should have cut ties with her long ago! She never deserved you!"

Samuel nodded in agreement. Elise was truly beneath him now.

"Let's not waste another thought on her," Benjamin said dismissively. "She can do whatever she wants—I no longer consider her my daughter!"

Changing the subject, Benjamin's tone became businesslike. "I heard William Levine, the heir to Levine Holdings, has returned to Crestwood. Sophia, as the new CEO of Stellar Group, you should arrange a meeting with him."

"Are you really giving me control of the company, Father?" Sophia asked, her voice trembling with excitement.

This was everything she'd wanted—taking the company that rightfully belonged to Elise.

"Thank you, Daddy! I won't disappoint you!" she gushed.

"I have complete faith in you," Benjamin said affectionately.

Sophia's curiosity turned to the Levine family. "The Levines are the wealthiest family in Crestwood, aren't they? I heard William has a child, but no one knows anything about the mother?"

Benjamin nodded. "His grandfather Henry fell ill and recalled William to take over the family business. William has been remarkably successful expanding their overseas operations—they say his business acumen rivals Henry's." He turned to Samuel. "You're around the same age. You should try to connect with him. The Levines practically own Crestwood."

"I've already discussed this with my father," Samuel said confidently. "I'll pay the Levines a visit once William officially assumes his position."

"He's only twenty-seven, isn't he?" Sophia mused. "So young yet so accomplished... I wonder what he looks like?"

Samuel watched her closely. "Henry Levine's seventieth birthday is next month. We'll meet him then." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Why? Are you interested in him?"

"Of course not!" Sophia denied quickly, moving closer to Samuel. "You're the only one for me, Samuel. I'm sure William is probably unattractive—that's why he got dumped! He's likely one of those middle-aged men with a protruding belly. In all of Crestwood, you're the complete package—looks, success, and pedigree."

Samuel couldn't help but smile at her flattery, and the conversation smoothly moved to other topics.

Meanwhile, in the sterile hospital room, the atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the cheerful scene at Scott Manor.

Elise realized she was hungry, surprised she'd wasted over an hour crying for Samuel, who wasn't worth her tears.

Before she could order food, a distinguished man in his fifties entered her room, followed by two young women.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Scott," the older man greeted respectfully. "I'm Charles, Mr. William Levine's valet."

As Elise looked on in confusion, Charles continued, "This is Grace and Chloe. They're professionally trained attendants Mr. Levine has assigned to assist you during your stay. Please feel free to direct them as needed."

He then instructed, "Ladies, please serve Ms. Scott her lunch."

Grace and Chloe efficiently arranged an impressive array of dishes on her bedside table, presenting cutlery with both hands. "Please enjoy your meal, Ms. Scott."

Elise thought William was going too far—he didn't need to do this much, especially considering the fire at his hotel must have caused significant damage.

Still, she accepted the utensils. "Thank you."

The food was exceptionally delicious. Charles put on reading glasses and produced a small notebook, observing Elise closely as he wrote. "My apologies if the meal isn't to your liking. Do you have any particular preferences or ingredients you dislike?"

Elise hesitated before answering, "No, it's fine."

Charles didn't press further but continued observing and writing: Ms. Scott shows preference for fish, avoids carrots and onions...

He glanced at the dishes she favored and made a note: Preferences align with young master James.

After Elise finished eating, Charles presented her with a box containing a new mobile phone with an activated SIM card.

Elise thanked him, and Charles departed promptly, his task complete.

Grace and Chloe remained to attend to her.

"Please don't mind me," Elise said as she transferred to a wheelchair and wheeled herself out of the room.

She had promised to visit James and believed in keeping her word. Besides, there were matters she needed to discuss directly with William.

Knocking on the adjacent ward door, it opened to reveal William's imposing figure.

His broad shoulders, trim waist, and long legs were accentuated by his white shirt with sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms.

Elise noticed bandages around his wrist—the same wrist he'd used to carry her.

Averting her eyes, she asked, "Is James in?"

"Yes, but he's napping," William replied.

Elise wondered if he was trying to keep her from his son. She pressed her lips together. "I'll come back later..."

But James's voice called out from inside, "Mommy? Will you sleep with me?"

William spoke before Elise could respond. "I need to step out briefly. If you have time, Ms. Scott, would you mind keeping him company? James just had appendix surgery and needs to rest. Perhaps you could help settle him?"

Without waiting for her agreement, William walked away.

Elise was puzzled by his trust—wasn't he worried about his adorable son becoming attached?

"Mommy?" James called sweetly.

Elise took a deep breath and decided not to correct him. "Alright, let's get you to sleep. I'll stay with you."

"Thank you, Mommy," James said, wrapping his small hands firmly around her arm and holding it to his chest.

He closed his eyes, yawned, and fell asleep instantly.

Elise envied how easily children could sleep—she'd relied on melatonin for years.

Seeing he was asleep, she tried to withdraw her hand.

Immediately, James's chubby fingers tightened their grip as he murmured, "Don't leave me, Mommy..."

Elise relented. Looking at his sweet, sleeping face, she wondered how any mother could bear to abandon such a child.

She leaned forward and gently kissed his cheek.

When she looked up, she found William had returned to the room, his dark eyes watching her intently, though his expression remained unreadable.

Elise felt suddenly self-conscious, caught in the act of kissing another person's child.