Ethan was lost in his thoughts.

"Don't you want to help me?" Elizabeth's voice carried a subtle mocking tone.

She had anticipated his reluctance.

After all, agreeing to assist her would inevitably strain his friendship with Nathan.

To Ethan, self-interest had always been his guiding principle.

"I simply believe things don't need to escalate to this point. Yulia doesn't want you with Nathan because she's concerned Charles might disinherit him if he angers him. But if Nathan takes the entertainment business seriously and proves his capabilities, Charles wouldn't need to force a marriage alliance."

"Having been around the Levines for years, do you truly think this is about inheritance? Social compatibility is the foundation of every elite marriage. With my current status, what right do I have to marry into the Davis family?"

"I see no issue with your status. Nathan loves you, and that gives you every right to be with him. Social compatibility is merely an excuse. True love conquers all barriers, including social status..."

"But I'm also the person Nancy despises most. Would she ever allow me to be with Nathan, especially now that she's determined to match him with Cora? If she discovers Nathan and I are together, I can't even imagine what she might do to me!" Elizabeth couldn't contain her agitation.

"Regardless, I don't think making such a hasty decision is right. Matters of the heart shouldn't be rushed. I suggest you talk things through with Nathan properly. There must be another solution..."

"Ethan, are you worried no one else will ever love me and I'll end up alone?" Elizabeth interrupted him.

Ethan felt a sharp pang in his heart.

In Elizabeth's presence... no, even the mere thought of her often sent sharp pains through his chest.

"You're just concerned that with no one else to love me, I'll cling to you," Elizabeth stated plainly.

The corner of her lips curled into a sneer.

"That's why you're so anxious about me breaking up with Nathan." Elizabeth's eyes reddened slightly, as if holding back tears.

Yet her expression clearly suggested she was laughing.

It was impossible to discern what she found amusing.

"That's not true. I just believe that since you and Nathan love each other, breaking up over external factors isn't worth it. You really shouldn't be impulsive about matters of the heart. You'll definitely regret it."

He could attest to that from personal experience.

"That's my concern. I didn't ask you here to dissuade me or to preach from your moral high ground about love conquering all. I asked you here to act with me, to make Nathan believe I've always loved you and that my feelings for him were merely gratitude, nothing more."

Elizabeth didn't wish to discuss this further with Ethan.

The moment she agreed with Yulia, her decision was made.

She might come to regret it, but she knew she had no other choice in this matter.

Ethan swallowed hard, his throat constricted, uncertain whether to agree to Elizabeth's request.

He worried that by agreeing, he would be enabling her wrong choice.

He wanted her to live a happier life. He wanted to see her tell him with a genuine smile that she was happy, just as she had last night.

"Elizabeth, let's sit down and properly discuss this with Nathan..."

"Ethan, why is it so difficult for you to help me with just one thing?" Elizabeth asked.

Her voice was soft but trembled with emotion.

"I've never felt so helpless with anyone else. You're the only person who always opposes me, no matter what I do or what I ask of you. How much do you truly hate me? What have I done to make you despise me so much?"