Elise snapped impatiently, "Just focus on your own situation right now."

Still, William's unwavering confidence offered her a sliver of comfort.

He wouldn't truly destroy himself simply to end an engagement, after all.

No rational person would go that far, and William was exceptionally sharp.

She decided he must be holding back a crucial card for the right moment.

"I'm leaving now," she announced, rising to her feet. She had the reassurance she needed.

"Elise," his voice halted her, unusually soft, almost wistful.

She paused, turning back to face him. "Something else?"

"Take good care of James for me."

"Of course."

"And yourself."

"I always do."

"Don't get involved with anyone else," William added firmly.

Elise was momentarily speechless.

Really? Now, of all times?

"I'll win you back properly once I'm out," he finished.

Her response was swift. "Don't keep me waiting too long."

William's eyes flickered, a brilliant, hopeful light shining within them.

She quickly turned away, a faint blush warming her cheeks.

As she walked out, his words followed her. "I promise."

Stepping outside the detention center, Elise released a heavy sigh.

Despite William's assurances, a lingering unease clung to her chest, stubborn and persistent.

She headed toward her car when a familiar figure caught her eye.

Victoria Stuart.

Victoria had vanished from public view since William's arrest. Official statements claimed she was devastated, confined to her bed by illness.

While she wasn't actually sick, her pallid face clearly showed her distress.

Elise felt no concern for her, but she was puzzled. Why had Victoria come to Crestwood to see William?

Why leave Rockville? Had her family even permitted it?

Ignoring her, Elise continued walking toward her car.

"Elise Scott," Victoria's voice rang out, sharp and hostile.

Elise stopped. "Yes?"

"Were you visiting William?"

"Is that a problem?"

"How dare you?!" Victoria's composure shattered, her voice rising hysterically. "You did this to him! How can you show your face here?"

Elise pressed her lips together, momentarily stunned by the outburst.

"William did all this for you, didn't he? He deliberately committed crimes so my family would annul the engagement! He'd rather ruin his life than be with me! How could he choose this?!"

Victoria grew increasingly agitated, her rage barely contained.

Elise shrugged coolly. "That's between you and him. Take it up with him directly."

"I will make you pay, Elise Scott! If anything happens to William, I'll destroy you!"

With that final threat, Victoria stormed away.

Elise watched her retreating back.

There was no doubt Victoria loved William, but the Stuarts only valued relationships that benefited them.

Once William lost his value, Victoria's one-sided devotion was doomed to end in tragedy.