Dean stood by the second-floor office window, a sinister smile twisting his lips. Below, Elise Scott was surrounded by angry workers. They shouted and shoved, trapping her in their midst.

He pulled out his phone, his fingers moving quickly. "Mr. Scott? The workers have Elise surrounded. She won't be leaving anytime soon."

In his spacious office at Scott Enterprises, Benjamin Scott took a slow drag from his cigarette. A cruel smile played on his lips. "Make sure she learns her lesson," he commanded.

"Understood, sir. I'll handle it perfectly."

Benjamin hung up, satisfaction washing over him. Experience always triumphed over youthful arrogance. Elise thought she could challenge him? It was like an egg trying to shatter a boulder.

Across from him, Sophia looked up, her expression one of mild surprise. "Father, Elise actually went to the production plant?" She couldn't believe her stepsister had the nerve to venture into that den of lowlifes. Those people were crude, uneducated brutes, destined to remain in their miserable poverty.

"Don't concern yourself with her," Benjamin dismissed with a wave. "I called you here to discuss something more important."

"Of course," Sophia replied, her voice sweet and compliant.

"The Mitchells contacted me. They want to officially announce your relationship with Samuel Mitchell. They're even pushing for a quick marriage." He paused, studying her. "They mentioned you seem... hesitant."

Sophia bit her lower lip, a carefully crafted look of unease crossing her features. "Father, I'm not sure now is the right time."

"Why? I thought you were in love with him."

"I am, but..." She let out a soft, worried sigh. "Our family's current situation concerns me more. Elise has clearly entangled herself with William Levine. You saw them together at Henry Levine's birthday banquet."

"William is merely amusing himself with her," Benjamin scoffed, unconcerned. "A man of his standing? His family would never accept a woman plagued by scandals like Elise."

"But I saw how he looked at her. His interest seemed genuine."

"She's cast some sort of spell on him. So what? Men are easily tempted by a pretty face. I should know..." Benjamin caught himself, remembering he was speaking to his daughter. He cleared his throat. "It's a fleeting infatuation. Once he grows bored, he'll discard her."

"Even if that's true, she is connected to him now. And we both know how much she despises us. What if she persuades William to target our family?"

Benjamin's confidence wavered. Elise was notoriously stubborn. If she truly enlisted William Levine's power against them, Scott Enterprises would be crushed instantly.

"What do you propose?" he asked, his tone turning serious.

Sophia met his gaze, her eyes filled with feigned determination. "I believe I should pursue William Levine myself."

Benjamin was taken aback. His delicate, refined daughter was suggesting something so bold.

"If I can win his affection, our family would be secure. I'm willing to do this for our family's sake. To protect us, I'll set aside my own feelings and sacrifice my relationship with Samuel." Her voice trembled slightly, painting a picture of noble self-sacrifice.

The idea appealed to Benjamin immensely. An alliance with the Levine family would elevate the Scotts to unchallenged prominence in Crestwood. No one would dare oppose them again.

"And what about the Mitchells?" he pressed.

"Let's not refuse them outright. Please, Father, find a way to manage them, to keep them hopeful. If I succeed with William, the Mitchells become irrelevant. If I fail... they remain a viable option for us."

Benjamin considered her plan, and a wide, approving grin spread across his face. "Very well. I'll deal with the Mitchells. You focus entirely on captivating William Levine. Whatever resources you need, they are yours."

"Thank you, Father." Sophia gave him her most angelic smile.

She refused to believe she couldn't capture a man that Elise had managed to seduce.