Elise's heart fluttered unexpectedly.

She couldn't deny the surge of emotion coursing through her.

Still, she maintained her composure and spoke softly. "But you'd do the same for anyone, wouldn't you?"

Meaning he would sacrifice himself for any woman in his life!

"Only for you," William stated with absolute seriousness.

"Are you implying I'm special?" Elise questioned.

William raised an eyebrow, clearly recognizing the trap in her question.

Before he could respond, she changed the subject. It was his personal life after all.

She had no right to pry.

"Why did you come to the production plant today?" she asked instead.

"Robert told me you were going. I was concerned about your safety, so I went to check." William answered.

"And I arrived just in time."

The alternative...

William didn't want to imagine the guilt he would feel if Elise was lying in this hospital bed instead. His expression darkened at the thought.

"My father orchestrated this," Elise confessed. "He never wanted me leading Stellar Group. He's been creating obstacles to force me out."

"Do you want my assistance?"

"I'm telling you this because I don't want your interference," Elise said firmly.

As William narrowed his eyes, Elise immediately understood his intentions and her gaze turned equally cold.

"I will absolutely get justice for you! Those responsible will face consequences!"

She had reached her limit with the Scotts—even after their past betrayals, she had never sought revenge because she was still a Scott.

They could have maintained boundaries and left each other alone.

But her compromises only made them bolder.

Their actions were becoming increasingly severe.

And she had no reason to show mercy to people who refused to recognize her goodwill.

"Understood," William said.

He respected her decision and would allow her to handle it, as long as the situation remained within his control.

Elise's phone suddenly vibrated.

She checked the screen, then stepped onto the balcony to answer. "Matthew?"

"Ms. Scott? I've submitted the official statement. The rioters and Gene Larkin—the one who attacked you—are in custody. The police are asking if you want to settle privately."

"Absolutely not, and make it perfectly clear to them," Elise said decisively. "We're pursuing full legal action."

"Understood, Ms. Scott."

After ending the call, Elise pressed a hand against her stomach. The pain was inevitable after not eating all day.

She took a steadying breath before returning to the hospital room, settling into the chair beside William's bed.

"You should rest," Elise told him.

"Will you leave when I fall asleep?" he asked.

Elise pressed her lips together—that had been her plan.

She needed food, and there was still chaos at the plant requiring her attention.

"I'll stay with you," she finally conceded.

At the very least, she owed him her presence for today.

The answer seemed to satisfy William, and he closed his eyes, drifting into peaceful sleep.

Elise's phone buzzed again—she quickly switched it to silent mode, not wanting to disturb William.

She declined the call immediately when she saw Benjamin Scott's name.

She knew exactly why he was calling—he must have learned she refused to settle privately and wanted to negotiate.

But she powered off her phone completely—she wouldn't give him the satisfaction!

"Ms. Scott." Samuel Wilson approached her quietly, his tone respectful.

"Yes?"

"Please, come eat something," he said.

Elise looked surprised, so Samuel explained, "Mr. Levine asked me to prepare this for you."

Elise couldn't help glancing at William, but he remained fast asleep.

He had noticed her stomach pain? But how?

She hadn't shown any outward signs...

Once again, that unfamiliar feeling washed over her.

But ultimately, they came from different worlds. She couldn't afford to blindly trust anyone ever again.

Even when she felt moved, even when her heart softened, she couldn't truly reciprocate his feelings.