Still, Victoria refused to surrender. "Do you honestly believe you'd remain a Montgomery after this? That your grandfather could shield you from the consequences? Forget your grandfather—you'd face arrest! Your entire family legacy would crumble!"

"If you phrase it that way..." Patrick murmured, his resolve visibly wavering.

A smug glint flashed in Victoria's eyes, pleased with her own clever manipulation.

The Stuarts had never been known for their scruples. They buried their conscience whenever profit was involved.

Elise had saved Patrick's life, but what did that matter? Family loyalty meant nothing when power was at stake.

Yet that same ruthless logic ultimately undermined Victoria's scheme, as Patrick suddenly declared, "Actually, it just occurred to me... If this standoff continues, your grandfather or brother would eventually order you to eliminate Elise anyway. I'd have to kill you in retaliation, giving them the perfect excuse to have me arrested immediately. With me gone, my family would be leaderless and powerless against yours. They'd achieve so many objectives with one move—naturally they'd love to see that happen, wouldn't you agree?"

Victoria's expression darkened. A cold shiver traced its way down her spine.

Patrick's scenario was frighteningly plausible—highly probable, even if not absolutely certain.

If this deadlock persisted long enough for Charles Stuart or James Stuart to discover it, they would undoubtedly issue the order.

The bodyguards assigned to her ultimately answered to Charles, and they would execute his commands without hesitation.

"Dear cousin, you don't have unlimited time to ponder," Patrick reminded her pointedly.

Victoria gritted her teeth, unwilling to accept yet another defeat.

Even so, she refused to sacrifice her life merely to eliminate Elise. That woman's existence paled in comparison to her own importance!

Though she had already reached her decision, frustration made her reluctant to concede. "What is it about Elise that drives you to such extremes?! You're willing to throw away your own life! You...and William!"

"I can't speak for William's motivations," Patrick admitted. "But Elise saved me. Ironically, I have your family to thank for that, since you've all been so determined to eliminate me... Otherwise, we wouldn't have forged this bond through adversity."

With that, he pressed her further. "So? Do you need more time to consider?"

His words served as a stark reminder that time was running out, and soon it would be too late for regrets.

Victoria clenched her jaw.

Despite her efforts, the words she needed to say stuck in her throat.

Finally, balling her hands into fists, she suppressed her overwhelming rage and snapped at the men behind her, "Release Elise Scott!"

Elise emerged from the room, leaning heavily on her crutches as she made her way toward Patrick.

Victoria watched her departure, her face contorted with bitter frustration and fury.

Yet she could only stand helplessly as Elise left with Patrick, followed by Patrick's bodyguards filing out one by one, leaving Victoria completely alone.

She turned to find her bodyguard on the phone, answering several rapid-fire questions before ending the call.

"Who was that?" Victoria demanded.

"Your brother, ma'am."

"What did he say?"

"He asked if Patrick left with Elise Scott..."

Victoria scowled. "And?"

"I confirmed he did, and your brother hung up."

Victoria bit her lip, her heart still racing from the narrow escape she had just experienced.