Elise lifted her champagne flute, offering a toast to Ethan. "It's been a while, Mr. Parker."

"You really shouldn't drink much with your stomach condition, Ms. Scott," Ethan advised gently, though he politely sipped his own wine in acknowledgment.

Elise took a small sip but remained silent. They weren't close enough for extended conversation.

"William..." Ethan suddenly commented, his gaze following William Levine as he circulated among guests. "He's a good man."

...William?

It took Elise a moment to realize he meant William Levine.

As Henry Levine's adopted son, everyone knew Ethan and William shared a close bond.

Even with this knowledge, Elise chose not to comment on William.

"It's getting late. I should be going," Ethan announced, gracefully setting down his glass.

Henry had departed hours earlier, leaving William to host alone.

"Goodnight." Elise offered a polite smile.

Ethan returned the gesture with a nod.

He perfectly matched his public persona—refined, soft-spoken, and consistently pleasant.

After Ethan's departure, Nathan Davis and Andrew Saunders soon followed, though both cast subtle glances toward Elise.

She ignored them completely, wondering how much longer William would keep her waiting—or if she'd finish her wine first.

That's when she spotted William heading toward the garden.

Her eyes tracked his movement, but she made no move to follow.

In the secluded garden, William abruptly caught the woman's wrist.

"Elizabeth York."

She twisted in irritation. "Let go of me."

"Where have you been all evening?"

"What business is that of yours?" Elizabeth snapped, shaking off his grip.

"I'm having someone drive you home," William stated flatly.

Elizabeth's annoyance flared. "I'm not leaving this early. I'm meeting friends for supper."

"At this hour?"

"Don't be such a fossil. It's only eleven."

"Your television series begins filming tomorrow."

"I'll make it—"

"Samuel," William called sternly.

"Yes, sir," Samuel responded immediately, approaching Elizabeth respectfully. "I'll escort you home, Ms. York."

Elizabeth shot William a venomous glare, knowing resistance was futile. Just as he'd forced this role upon her, she could only storm away in frustrated defeat.

As William returned to the banquet hall, Samuel Mitchell emerged from the shadows.

Humiliation still burned within him after tonight's events.

Unable to face the crowd's judgment yet unwilling to leave completely, he'd slipped into the garden for a cigarette... only to witness William and Elizabeth's confrontation!

So this explained their connection, and why Elizabeth had stolen his sister's role!

But where did that leave Elise in William's life?

A cunning smile spread across Samuel's face as he stared at the clear photo on his phone—capturing William and Elizabeth in their heated exchange.

Back inside, William approached Elise just as she reached for another glass of wine.

Before she could drink, he took the glass from her hand and finished it himself.

"Apologies for the wait," he said, carelessly setting the empty glass aside.

Elise blinked slowly before responding, "Have you concluded your business, Mr. Levine?"

"I have. Let's get you home."

Elise rose to her feet, but a sudden dizziness made her sway unsteadily.

William immediately moved to steady her. "Careful."

"Thank you," Elise murmured, gently pushing his hand away.

The deliberate distance between them was palpable. William's lips tightened briefly before he released her.