The clock had long passed eleven.

Three women stumbled out of the bar, their laughter echoing in the quiet night.

Elise's vision swam slightly. She blinked, trying to clear the haze. "Let me give you both a ride home," she offered, her words careful.

Elizabeth let out a loud burp. "No need! Samantha and I are heading the same direction." She grabbed Samantha's arm, pulling her toward the waiting car.

Elise followed them outside, the cool night air helping clear her head slightly.

Though they'd all been drinking, none had completely lost control. Samantha appeared remarkably composed considering how much they'd consumed.

Elise usually maintained strict limits, but meeting Elizabeth for the first time called for exceptions. The actress had an impressive drinking capacity, matching glass for glass without slowing down. Yet Samantha had kept pace without seeming affected.

Elise watched them climb into a dark sedan before returning to Robert's car. She slumped into the leather seat, her stomach churning uncomfortably.

Through the window, Crestwood's skyline glittered against the dark horizon. Countless lights painted patterns across the cityscape.

Her phone chimed.

She glanced at the screen. [Remember to drink honey water when you get home.]

Elise didn't respond, simply lowering the device onto her lap.

William had been texting her daily since his departure. She read every message but never replied.

Meanwhile, the dark sedan pulled through Levine Manor's gates. Elizabeth had already fallen asleep in the backseat.

Just moments earlier, she'd been bragging to William about getting Elise properly drunk. Now she slept soundly, her breathing even.

Samantha marveled at Elizabeth's ability to pass out instantly after drinking, yet wake up completely refreshed. The woman truly possessed a unique talent for handling alcohol.

Samantha stepped out of the car, attempting to rouse her friend. As she struggled to support Elizabeth's weight, another car pulled up to the entrance.

Ethan emerged from the driver's side.

Spotting them, he approached quickly. "What happened?"

"Elizabeth had too much to drink," Samantha explained weakly.

Ethan frowned slightly.

"Could you help carry her inside?" Samantha asked, her arms straining. "I'm not strong enough..."

"Of course." Ethan nodded, moving toward the car. He bent down, effortlessly scooping Elizabeth into his arms.

Samantha watched, impressed. Though Ethan always appeared refined and gentle, he clearly possessed surprising strength.

"Drive safely, Ms. Summer," he said politely.

"Thank you." Samantha nodded.

As Ethan carried Elizabeth toward the manor, Samantha watched their retreating figures. The sight triggered a memory from long ago.

She and Elizabeth had been high school classmates. During their sophomore year, Elizabeth had called her late one night, bursting with excitement about falling in love.

Back then, their feelings were pure and unrestrained. Samantha could still recall the sheer happiness radiating through the phone.

But after that night, Elizabeth never mentioned her romantic life again.

Eight years had passed since that conversation.

Yet Samantha remembered clearly—Elizabeth had confessed the boy's name was Ethan Parker.