"Just stay calm for now," William said, his voice steady as he tried to reassure Elise. "Victoria won't harm James."

"You have so much faith in her?!" Elise retorted, her anger flaring.

"Not particularly," William replied, each word deliberate and firm. "But she wouldn't cross that line."

"He got hurt under her watch!"

"Children have accidents. It's part of growing up."

Elise's fingers tightened around her phone, the rage simmering just beneath the surface.

"Don't go anywhere without me," William instructed calmly. "Victoria won't hurt James, but she wouldn't hesitate to target you."

Elise ended the call abruptly. When it came to James, her composure always shattered.

Even so, she knew resisting William was futile.

True to his word, William returned two days later.

Elise was a light sleeper. She heard the faint sounds from outside but remained in bed. She shifted positions, feigning sleep as the door creaked open quietly.

She continued her pretense, unwilling to acknowledge the intruder.

Then she felt the mattress dip beside her, irritation instantly prickling her skin.

Annoyed, she turned sharply, but froze when she saw the bright little face beaming at her.

"Mommy!" James greeted in his sweet, tiny voice, immediately throwing his small body against hers, his arms wrapping around her neck.

Feeling his tender warmth, Elise's heart melted instantly.

"Did you miss me, Mommy? I missed you so much!" James complained, squeezing her tighter. "Victoria insisted I go to Rockville, but I didn't want to... Then Daddy said you were here, and I couldn't wait to see you!"

"Your daddy brought you here? At this hour?"

"Yes!" James exclaimed, releasing her neck to look into her eyes. "I was sleeping, but Daddy woke me and said we're coming to see you right now. I'm not sleepy anymore! Did I wake you, Mommy?"

"No." Elise smiled faintly, caressing his soft cheeks.

Remembering his injury, she asked, "How's your leg?"

"It's fine," James said quickly. "Just a little sprain. It stopped hurting the day after we went to the hospital."

So it really was minor. Victoria had exaggerated to upset her.

"Mommy," James yawned. "Can I sleep with you? I'm really tired."

"Of course," Elise said softly. "Let me help you with your jacket."

"Thank you, Mommy. I love you so much!"

Such a charmer.

Soon they were nestled under the blankets, James curling into her arms. "I love sleeping with you, Mommy. You smell so nice."

"It's late now." Elise smiled. "Close your eyes and sleep."

"Okay. Goodnight, Mommy."

"Goodnight, James."

The room fell quiet. James yawned repeatedly and was asleep within minutes.

Elise envied how easily children could sleep. She tucked him in carefully, knowing sleep wouldn't come for her now.

Being confined here had been incredibly dull. She occasionally worked on her laptop, but still had too much free time. That led to excessive napping during the day, which ruined her nighttime rest.

Naturally, her idle mind wandered to various things, including the argument with William two days prior.

Now that Elise had calmed down, she realized Victoria truly wouldn't harm James. In fact, given the current circumstances, Victoria had every reason to win the boy's favor.

In other words, Elise had lost her composure that day—exactly what Victoria wanted. Victoria knew it would upset Elise, deliberately driving a wedge between her and William.