"Let me go!" Elise screamed, her voice raw with fury.

"Don't be stubborn right now—ah!" William suddenly cried out in sharp pain as Elise sank her teeth deep into his neck.

He still didn't release her, but she began thrashing violently in his arms.

The slope was already treacherous, and with her relentless struggling, they both tumbled down. William quickly twisted to cushion her fall, protecting her from injury.

Freed at last, she scrambled toward the wrecked car—the worsening situation made rescuing Patrick even more urgent, or he would certainly die!

Elise ran desperately, even though her right leg was severely injured and had only just regained some sensation.

The pain stabbed straight to her core, but she didn't slow her pace.

"Elise!" William lunged and caught her, his grip iron-strong, preventing her from reaching the wreck.

Smack!

She whirled and slapped him hard across the face.

Both were battered and bloodied, the mark of her strike barely visible amid their wounds.

The sharp crack echoed loudly. William stared at her with bloodshot eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing repeatedly as he fought to control his rage.

Still, she met his gaze unflinchingly. "I won't stand by and watch someone die!"

"Even if it kills you?" he shot back.

"Yes! Or I'll carry the guilt forever!" she snapped, shaking off his hand.

Her determination was absolute, unshakable.

She started running again, but William seized her arm just as she moved.

"Don't make me hate you more, William!" she shrieked.

But he said, "I'll go."

Elise's heart skipped a beat as he spoke quietly. "I'll save Patrick—you stay here. Don't come any closer!"

With those words, William sprinted toward the car, vanishing into the darkness.

Elise couldn't see clearly, yet she sensed his silhouette moving away—blurred but imposing.

She clenched her jaw.

This wasn't the time for sorrow or guilt—saving Patrick was all that mattered.

She ultimately ignored William's command and hurried toward the wreckage.

The smell of gasoline grew stronger as William returned to the wreck.

Inside, Patrick and his driver were still struggling to free themselves.

Patrick was stunned to see William return, but William avoided his gaze, stating flatly, "Elise insisted I save you."

So... it was Elise.

Truthfully, Patrick hadn't expected William to help—the car could explode at any moment.

If it did, everyone would die.

In William's position, he would have left without hesitation—never gambling with his own life.

But Elise's compassion ran too deep.

Patrick felt an unexpected flutter in his chest, though impending death left little room for sentiment.

He remained calm and told William, "My seatbelt won't budge, and my right side is pinned against the door. I can't move at all."