Twenty-four hours had slipped by without any media mention of Ethan's accident.

Intrigued, Elise found herself typing a message to William.

[How is Ethan?]

Minutes stretched without a reply, until Victoria's WhatsApp call flashed on her screen.

They hadn't exchanged contacts, making Elise pause before answering.

"Elise, William is occupied and asked me to call you instead," Victoria explained, her voice laced with exhaustion.

So Victoria had returned home with William and stayed overnight with him?

"How is Ethan's condition?" Elise inquired calmly, her focus solely on Ethan's wellbeing.

"He hasn't regained consciousness since surgery," Victoria shared. "The doctors say he might remain in a vegetative state, but there's still hope. William assembled an international team of specialists who just examined him. He's currently discussing treatment options with them."

"Is it really that serious?" Elise asked, concern tightening her chest.

"Yes," Victoria confirmed. "His heart stopped twice during the operation, but they revived him both times. His blood pressure remains dangerously low, and the specifics... I can't really predict his recovery. It's in the experts' hands now. Don't worry, I'll keep you updated if anything changes."

"Thank you."

"Of course."

The polite exchange ended as Elise hung up.

She hadn't anticipated Ethan's condition being so critical.

Over the following days, Victoria periodically texted updates about Ethan's status. Elise wasn't sure if this stemmed from genuine kindness or Victoria's desire to prevent her from contacting William directly.

Still, Elise didn't press for more details, grateful simply to be informed.

That evening as she prepared for bed, William finally called.

He hadn't reached out in three days, likely aware that Victoria had been keeping Elise updated.

"I'm taking Ethan abroad," he informed her. "Crestwood's medical facilities and technology have limitations, but he's stable enough for transport. We're flying out for advanced treatment overseas."

"What do you mean by stable?" Elise caught the careful wording.

"He's not in immediate danger, but remains completely comatose. There's a blood clot in his brain pressing against an artery, preventing him from waking. It poses a constant life-threatening risk. No surgeon would operate under these conditions globally. Our only option is moving him abroad, using advanced medical technology to stabilize his vitals, then performing craniotomy based on his response."

"I understand." Elise nodded quietly.

Essentially, Ethan's vital signs were stable, but his life hung by a thread, danger lurking at any moment.

"Will Victoria be accompanying you?" Elise asked before ending the call.

Not that she particularly cared, but it would be easier to get updates from Victoria than disturb William.

"No," William answered briefly.

"Alright."

"Wait for my return."

Elise ended the call without responding.

The following night, William messaged through WhatsApp confirming their safe arrival.

Next morning, Elise stared at a photo in her chat with Victoria showing her taking James to Rockville.

Victoria looked utterly tender hugging James in her private jet's cabin, though the boy appeared distinctly unenthusiastic. His little face held a snobbish expression that somehow didn't detract from his exceptionally handsome features.

The photo's caption read: [First winter break for our little scholar! Daddy's busy working, so it's just mother and child on our own.] Elise's fingers tightened around her phone.