Amanda finally lowered her head. The humiliation was almost unbearable, threatening to shatter her composure completely.

"I apologize."

"That's quite alright." Elise's smile widened, yet she maintained an air of graciousness.

This single moment of public shame was more than sufficient punishment for Amanda.

Seeing her daughter's apology, Richard quickly turned to William. "Mr. Levine, may we take our leave now?"

"Ensure this never happens again."

"Absolutely, without question. I'll have a serious discussion with her when we return home."

With those words, Richard firmly grasped Amanda's arm and led their family away, their departure marked by visible disgrace.

Once they had exited, the banquet hall gradually returned to its previous atmosphere.

Naturally, numerous guests continued watching William and Elise, their curious gazes attempting to decipher how two individuals from entirely different worlds had become connected.

Yet the evidence stood undeniable before their eyes.

"I have obligations to attend to this evening," William informed Elise. "Please wait for me. I'll escort you home later."

"Really, I can manage on my own—"

"Be reasonable," William said gently, though his tone carried an undeniable authority that brooked no argument.

Elise felt a mixture of irritation and reluctant admiration for this tender yet commanding man.

William turned to James. "Take good care of your mother."

"Yes, Father," James responded promptly, accepting his assignment with seriousness.

William then departed, and Elise watched as he moved purposefully through the crowd.

He had been so occupied, yet he'd set everything aside to come to her defense.

She couldn't deny the warmth spreading through her chest, though it hadn't yet reached the depths of her soul.

"Mother, shall we visit the gardens?" James inquired.

Elise turned from watching William's retreating form and nodded, unable to resist ruffling the boy's hair. "Thank you, James."

"You're welcome. Father says I'm becoming a gentleman, and gentlemen always protect their mothers," the boy declared in his sweet voice, as if stating an obvious truth.

Elise felt her heart soften immeasurably.

She clasped James's small hand firmly and exited the main hall.

Nearby, Sophia observed their departure, the bitterness in her eyes barely concealed.

Her attention then shifted to William, whose every movement exuded regal confidence that dwarfed every other man in the room.

She'd initially been misled by Samuel into believing William was merely a firefighter, but her perception had transformed completely upon discovering his true identity.

That moment when William had descended from the stage to confront Samuel—how insignificant Samuel had appeared in comparison!

Her heart quivered with renewed determination, understanding perfectly the source of this feeling.

What Sophia desired, she invariably obtained.

Just you wait, Elise Scott!

Charles arrived at the banquet hall at nine o'clock sharp to take James home.

As a growing child, maintaining a regular sleep schedule was essential, and James departed obediently.

After they left, Elise returned to the bustling banquet hall.

The celebration showed no signs of winding down, with guests appearing determined to continue indefinitely.

Choosing a quiet corner, she observed William from a distance as he remained surrounded by well-wishers and business associates.

Casually, she selected a glass of wine from a passing tray and took a slow, deliberate sip.

Boredom settled upon her as she finished one glass, then reached for another...

"Impressive alcohol tolerance, Ms. Scott."

Elise turned to find Ethan Parker standing nearby, his presence having escaped her notice.

While not close acquaintances, they were far from strangers.

As an established director, she had followed several of his productions.

They had crossed paths occasionally at various social gatherings, and on one particular evening, he had been the one to drive her to the hospital emergency room.

Reflecting upon it, she realized she owed him some measure of gratitude.