Samuel Mitchell was on the verge of exploding from Elise Scott's dismissive attitude.

"Elise Scott...!"

"Everyone is watching right now," Elise reminded him coolly. "Feel free to make an even bigger spectacle of yourself if you wish."

"You...!" Samuel snarled through clenched teeth.

He couldn't help but glance around. People were whispering, their gestures clearly directed at him.

His pride completely shattered, he stormed out of the grand ballroom.

Elise watched his retreating figure, her smile turning frosty.

She then glanced toward William Levine, who was surrounded by a constant stream of admirers. She decided it was time for her to leave as well.

She had only accepted William's invitation to witness this pivotal moment in his life and to spend time with James.

Having accomplished both, there was no reason to linger. Social events like this were never her preference unless absolutely necessary.

"Ms. Scott." Samuel Wilson suddenly appeared, blocking her path. "I'm Samuel Wilson, Mr. Levine's personal assistant. He requested that you stay and wait for him."

Elise frowned.

How did William know she was leaving?

He was completely engrossed in conversation across the room, seemingly unable to spare any attention elsewhere.

"I must be going now. Please enjoy the rest of the evening, Ms. Scott."

Samuel quickly departed after delivering his message, clearly anticipating her refusal. Her reluctance to stay was plainly visible on her face.

Despite her intentions, Elise remained.

Just then, she noticed James running toward her, his face beaming. "Mommy! I knew you wouldn't leave without me! You want to stay and play, right?"

"...Yes," Elise replied, a pang of guilt striking her. She would have been long gone otherwise.

"Daddy said you might not like the crowd here. He suggested we could go to the private gardens instead," James said eagerly. "There's a beautiful swing set there. Will you come play with me?"

"Of course."

As Elise took James's small hand and began walking toward the gardens, they had taken barely two steps when a waiter suddenly stumbled directly in front of them. The tray laden with wine and champagne glasses hurtled toward them.

Elise reacted instantly, pulling James safely aside while swiftly moving herself out of the main path of the falling glasses.

Despite her quick reflexes, several droplets of red wine splattered across her pristine white gown.

"I'm so sorry! So terribly sorry!" The waiter turned deathly pale, his voice trembling with fear.

Elise's sharp eyes immediately spotted Amanda and Sophia standing suspiciously close to where the waiter had tripped. The identity of the true instigators was unmistakable.

Amanda let out a loud, mocking laugh. "Oh, dear... A million-dollar gown, ruined in an instant! What an absolute tragedy!"

The waiter's face lost all remaining color at the mention of the gown's exorbitant price. He stood frozen in terror as Amanda continued her taunting. "Surely you aren't going to blame a simple waiter for this unfortunate accident? I mean, you must have known the risks of wearing such a pure white dress to a crowded event like this."

Amanda couldn't bear seeing Elise carry herself with such grace and confidence while she herself suffered repeated humiliations.

To make matters worse, Elise had somehow managed to attract William Levine's attention after her breakup with Samuel, leaving her brother utterly disgraced!

She would not be satisfied until she had stripped Elise of her dignity.

Elise, however, responded with a calm smile. "Since you're the one who technically purchased this dress for me, I'll refrain from pursuing the matter with the waiter if that's your wish. It's soiled now, so I'll simply dispose of it when I return home."

Amanda's face darkened instantly—Elise had to bring up that humiliating bet!

"As you said, the dress is now stained," Amanda retorted sharply. "I doubt someone of your... standing would remain at such an important event wearing a soiled gown. It would be disrespectful to our host."

Her meaning was clear: she was telling Elise to leave immediately.