Randy informed John that the board meeting was about to begin.

John immediately left his office.

Kyle had been waiting in the guest lounge.

He watched through the glass wall as executives filed past.

"Is that Mr. Levine?" Kyle inquired.

Debbie, the secretary, glanced outside briefly.

"Yes, Mr. Levine is heading to the boardroom," she confirmed.

Kyle set down his teacup and studied the passing figures.

Randy happened to turn at that moment.

Kyle offered a polite smile and nod.

Though frowning, Randy returned the gesture before following John into the elevator.

Randy didn't realize Kyle couldn't see John from his angle.

John was walking ahead, obscured by other executives.

Kyle resumed his seat to await his audience with 'John'.

Levine Holdings was establishing Crestwood's largest commerce guild.

Their new corporate tower was nearing completion.

Mitchell Corp specialized in high fashion but sought e-commerce expansion.

An early partnership with Levine Holdings would secure prime positioning.

John remained in meetings all morning.

When Kyle inquired at noon, he learned John had left for a business lunch.

He was told John would return in the afternoon.

His afternoon inquiry revealed John was conducting a site inspection.

The secretary assured him John might return later.

By evening, most employees had departed, including John.

Kyle's face darkened with fury.

He was CEO of a top Crestwood corporation.

Yet he'd been ignored by John all day.

Despite Debbie's repeated apologies, he felt deliberately slighted.

They had no prior conflicts to justify this treatment.

Fuming, he stormed from Levine Holdings headquarters.

He slid into his car just as his phone rang.

"Noel," he answered tersely.

"Kyle! I heard you spent all day at Levine Holdings. Your meeting with William Levine must have gone wonderfully?" Noel's voice was sycophantic.

Kyle's expression soured further.

Noel continued cheerfully, "I'm having dinner with Amanda. Would you like to join us, or are you dining with Mr. Levine?"

"I'm fine. Enjoy your meal," Kyle replied stiffly.

He wouldn't admit he never met William.

Nor was he in the mood for socializing.

Noel detected his irritation. "What's wrong? Bad day?"

"Just tired. Heading home to rest."

"Sleep well then," Noel said sweetly. "By the way, what does Mr. Levine look like? Another middle-aged executive with a dad bod?"

"No, though he's quite ordinary-looking," Kyle dismissed.

"I thought so," Noel giggled. "Well, I won't keep you. Nearly at the restaurant."

Kyle glared after hanging up.

Elise had angered him this morning.

Now William humiliated him.

He trembled with suppressed rage.

At Crestwood Heights, Elise considered ordering takeout.

Her phone chimed with an incoming call.

The number from this morning appeared again—memorable with its repeated eights.

She took a deep breath, preparing her rejection speech.

"Mommy!"

James's cheerful voice derailed her planned refusal.

"I missed you so much, Mommy! Daddy and I are picking you up for dinner. We'll be there in ten minutes!"

Elise sighed in resignation.

William was certainly cunning.

Elise hobbled to her apartment entrance on crutches.

William leaned against his conspicuous Maybach.

Somehow, he drew more attention than the luxury vehicle.

A crowd had gathered, mesmerized by his presence.

Men, women, young and old all stared openly.

He ignored them until spotting Elise.

His gaze sharpened with focus.

He strode over and took her crutches.

Before she could protest, he swept her into his arms.

He carried her toward the car amid astonished stares.

Elise took a deep breath and accepted the situation.

Inside the car, James greeted her adorably. "Mommy!"

The boy beamed, melting Elise's heart instantly.

Though only three days apart, James hugged her tightly.

"I missed you so much! Daddy says we're having a fancy dinner! Are you hungry, Mommy?"

"Very," Elise smiled.

"Me too! We'll eat lots!"

"Absolutely."

During the drive, Elise and James chatted happily.

William observed them quietly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

At the restaurant, a waiter escorted them to a window table.

Elise blinked in recognition as they sat.

A subtle gesture, but William noticed immediately despite studying the menu.

He turned and spotted Noel chatting animatedly with Amanda Mitchell at the adjacent table.

As Samuel's sister, Amanda had been instrumental in Noel's successful seduction.

Amanda was a moderately successful actress with a dedicated fanbase.

"Shouldn't you be filming? I heard about your new project."

"They're shooting in Crestwood this time. I'd refuse if it were elsewhere," Amanda declared loftily.

"I'll visit during your breaks," Noel promised. "By the way, Levine Holdings is investing, right?"

"Ugh, don't remind me." Amanda's face twisted with distaste.

"Why? What happened?"

"The heir, William Levine, just returned from abroad. They say he's interested in me and wants an arranged marriage."

"Really?" Noel gasped dramatically.

Nearby, William remained impassive.

He continued ordering, occasionally consulting Elise about preferences.

"This is unbearable," Amanda complained indignantly. "I'd never choose him! He's not just unattractive—he has a child! Who wants to be an instant mother?"

"Absolutely. You're too beautiful for him," Noel flattered.

"I'm worried he might become persistent. You know how influential his family is in Crestwood. My father would probably agree to the match," Amanda grumbled.

"Well, that's the price of being gorgeous," Noel joked.

Amanda preened under the praise.

"Let's change subjects. How are things with Samuel? Why hasn't he called off his engagement yet?"

"He was with my sister for years. He has to be considerate of her feelings," Noel said understandingly.

"Considerate? Of Elise Scott?!" Amanda nearly choked. "What consideration does she deserve? She slept around at eighteen and had a bastard child! I'd rather die than show my face in public!"

Elise ignored them completely, helping James select desserts.

William stood abruptly. "I need to visit the restroom."

"Alright," Elise replied.

He returned quickly.

Their waiter approached Noel and Amanda's table.

"Ladies, my apologies, but the restaurant has been privately booked for the evening."