The men in black exuded an intimidating aura that kept most people at a distance.

Yet Elise Scott approached them without hesitation.

One guard spoke quietly into his lapel microphone. After receiving approval from inside, he opened the door for her.

The WIP room's interior was vastly different from ordinary rooms. Its lavish decorations would dazzle anyone who entered.

Elise had no interest in admiring the opulence. She limped painfully toward the coffee table where Victoria Stuart sat elegantly sipping tea.

Four bodyguards stood guard in the room. Two positioned themselves directly behind Victoria.

The precaution clearly demonstrated her wariness toward Elise.

A flicker of surprise crossed Victoria's eyes when she saw Elise alone. But years of training helped her conceal it instantly.

"Have a seat," Victoria gestured gracefully.

Elise didn't refuse. She settled into the chair opposite.

"What would you like to drink, Miss Scott?"

"Blue Mountain coffee."

After Elise placed her order, Victoria set down her teacup. "I must admit, I'm surprised you came alone. Quite unexpected."

This was genuine—Victoria had been stunned when she received Elise's message requesting this meeting.

After all, Elise was intelligent enough to understand Victoria's behind-the-scenes manipulations.

Given Victoria's multiple attempts on her life, why would Elise boldly request a private meeting?

Victoria suspected a trap, but curiosity overpowered caution. She had to see what Elise was planning.

Now, surrounded by bodyguards, she wondered if she had overprepared. Perhaps she was being overly cautious.

But as a Stuart heir, she would never reveal such doubts.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Victoria asked directly, preferring straightforwardness.

"I came to clarify things between myself and William."

Victoria's expression tightened slightly. Was Elise here to boast?

Anyone with eyes could see William loved Elise and felt nothing for Victoria.

"What exactly are you trying to say?" Victoria pressed.

"I've severed all ties with William," Elise stated bluntly.

Victoria's heart skipped, but she resisted celebration.

Not only did she suspect deception, but her previous attempts to eliminate Elise had all failed.

"So please stop wasting your efforts on me," Elise said calmly.

Victoria responded with a cold sneer.

So Elise simply wanted her life spared?

How ridiculous—did Elise think Victoria would believe such obvious lies?

As if Victoria had survived this long by being naive!

Elise observed the contempt in Victoria's eyes. Without reaction, she retrieved her phone and slid it across the table.

Victoria frowned, annoyed by Elise's unshakable composure.

Elise always seemed unaffected, no matter the circumstances.

Before meeting Elise, Victoria believed no woman could be both more beautiful and smarter than her.

Now, for the first time, that conviction wavered.