Elise let out a soft, derisive sound. "Let's focus on the matter at hand."

"Alright," Patrick responded, his tone shifting from cheerful to serious in an instant. "After we narrowly escaped that night, the Stuart family must be absolutely furious. Especially Victoria. Knowing you're now with William is driving her insane. You need to be extremely careful. I'm genuinely concerned she might do something completely unhinged."

"Do you think that night wasn't drastic enough?" Elise countered with a scoff.

"That was a coordinated family effort. This time, Victoria would be acting alone, and her desperation could lead to something truly dangerous."

"I know," Elise replied calmly, having already anticipated this scenario.

After all, William had abandoned Victoria at the charity ball, rushed directly to Elise's rescue, and remained by her side ever since.

No woman could endure such public humiliation and rejection.

"Also, my grandfather is finally making his move against Charles after that incident," Patrick revealed bluntly. "Charles crossed a line when he targeted us, and I'm sorry you nearly lost your life because of it. I'll admit I expected some action from him, but I couldn't refuse when you asked to come to Rockville, given our partnership. I won't lie to you either... My family has been waiting for Charles to overplay his hand."

"I understand," Elise said evenly.

She had mixed feelings about being used as bait, but her rational side prevailed over her emotions.

When it came to her alliance with Patrick, she needed to maintain clear boundaries without emotional complications.

Still, Patrick's voice turned solemn as he added, "Thank you."

"For what?" Elise asked, slightly taken aback.

"You risked everything to save me that night, even though William ultimately came through."

"I couldn't just stand by and watch," Elise stated plainly. "Anyone would have done the same in that situation. Besides, our fates are intertwined right now—if something happened to you, my situation would become much more complicated."

"Even so, I benefited from your selflessness," Patrick insisted. "And for that, I owe you."

Elise didn't particularly need Patrick indebted to her, but she saw no reason to refuse an advantage when offered.

"By the way... do you trust me more now?" Patrick inquired. "And aren't you planning to open up to William after he rescued you?"

"Are you testing me right now?" Elise retorted, arching an eyebrow.

He was clearly probing to see if she remained committed to their alliance, and whether William had become friend or foe.

The truth was, neither Elise nor Patrick could determine William's true allegiance.

Such was William's cunning—he positioned himself ambiguously between both sides, giving neither reason to target him directly.

Nevertheless, Patrick stated bluntly, "No. In my view, you're the most trustworthy person I know, not to mention I owe you my life. While I prioritize profits above all else, I also believe in repaying debts of honor."

Elise smiled faintly—the man certainly knew how to flatter himself.

"Yes, I trust you more," Elise admitted.

"Still so rational." Patrick chuckled. "Any other woman would have fallen head over heels for William by now. Don't you think he'd be devastated to learn he still hasn't earned your complete trust, even after risking his life to save you?"

"Are you bragging right now?" Elise asked, raising a brow.

"To be perfectly honest," Patrick said succinctly, "I am."

While Elise remained speechless, he continued, "I don't think I've mentioned this before, but William and I attended the same university abroad. We were both ordinary students studying away from home, but even on equal footing, he managed to outshine me in every possible way."

Patrick was remarkably generous with his praise for William, but Elise frowned, unaware of this connection between them.

"Back then, he was the perfect student. Top grades, handsome, talented. All the girls were crazy about him—"

"I thought you weren't interested in women," Elise pointed out.

"That doesn't mean I couldn't feel jealous," Patrick replied, completely serious.

Elise couldn't help but giggle in amusement.

"Well, now that you've evened the score between us, it does feel rather satisfying," Patrick concluded.

Elise honestly didn't know how to respond to that.

So men could be petty too.

"Anyway. Would you like me to get you out of here?" Patrick suddenly asked, his tone turning serious.