The same moonlight bathed Elizabeth York as she arrived at Levine Manor, her expression sour with displeasure.

She was already on her phone before she even stepped inside. "Samantha! Why didn't you come to my grandfather's party with your precious Andrew?"

"I was busy—working late at the office."

"Why do you keep slaving away for the Saunders family? Do you really think Andrew appreciates it? He has women lining up for him!"

"I'm not doing it for Andrew. This is for my own career."

"You're impossible."

Elizabeth marched up to the second floor and casually pushed open a door, phone wedged between her shoulder and cheek as she reached back to unzip her evening gown.

She needed to get out of the uncomfortable dress, but just as the zipper reached her waist, the bathroom door swung open.

Ethan Parker stood frozen in the doorway.

Elizabeth's heart skipped for just a moment before she composed herself, pretending not to notice him as she continued undressing while speaking into the phone. "Anyway, Andrew doesn't deserve your sacrifices."

"I know."

"Oh, I called to tell you I'm filming a series in Crestwood. Let's meet up when you have time."

"Definitely."

"I'm home now. Stop working so late and get some rest."

"Alright. Goodbye."

After hanging up, Elizabeth turned to find Ethan with his back to her, his ears already flushed crimson.

She smirked and said casually, "You've been with every type of woman out there, Mr. Parker. Why are you acting like an inexperienced boy?"

Ethan pressed his lips together and explained his presence. "There's a leak in my bathroom. I didn't know you were coming back tonight."

"My dear cousin insisted I return home." Elizabeth snorted. "Shouldn't you be with Amanda Mitchell tonight? I didn't realize you finished so quickly."

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed, but Elizabeth had spoken offhandedly—she didn't actually expect an answer. "Anyway, I'm exhausted. Time for my bath and beauty sleep, so if you're done with the bathroom, Uncle Ethan, please leave."

"At least get dressed first—"

"Already am."

Ethan turned to see Elizabeth wrapped in a loose bathrobe, a cigarette poised between her fingers.

Though his lips twitched, Ethan kept his thoughts to himself and simply walked out.

As the door closed, Elizabeth's feigned composure dissolved into a scowl.

This was exactly why she had avoided returning all these years.

The night was still young elsewhere.

A slender figure stood before a glass wall overlooking the glittering cityscape.

Her fair fingers, polished in crimson, swiped casually across a tablet displaying dozens of high-definition photographs.

Each image showed William Levine gently draping his suit jacket over a woman's shoulders.

"Find out everything about her family background. I want every detail available—the more comprehensive, the better."

"Yes, ma'am," her bodyguard responded respectfully from behind her.

Morning arrived, and Elise Scott awoke with a throbbing headache.

How much had she drunk last night? She couldn't even remember how she got home!

The last clear memory was leaving the banquet hall—everything after that was hazy, including William...

She sat up abruptly and saw she was still wearing the same evening gown.

Her heart pounding, she threw off the blankets to get out of bed.

As she did, she noticed the band-aids carefully applied to her ankles.

Her heartbeat quickened further.

Her heels had been cutting into her skin all evening, though she'd never shown it.

She was surprised William had noticed and taken care of it.

She bit her lip.

She had to admit... he was dangerously perceptive.