Elise continued speaking, her voice steady. "When I was a child, I couldn't protect myself. But things are different now."

She was reassuring William, though she wasn't entirely sure why she felt the need to. Perhaps it was because genuine concern was rare in her world, and his felt real.

"Does it hurt?" William suddenly asked, his gaze fixed on her cheek where the swelling remained visible.

How much force had Margaret used to leave such a mark?

Elise seemed momentarily surprised by his question, then shook her head.

It truly didn't hurt. Not compared to what she'd endured as a child.

The pain that once haunted her heart had faded. She'd come to understand the Scotts didn't deserve her tears. Not a single one.

William's lips tightened. The atmosphere around him grew cold and intense.

He looked intimidating, but Elise felt no fear. She understood the source of his anger.

"I'd like an apple," she said suddenly, deliberately changing the subject.

William blinked at her unexpected request.

"The one you peeled earlier was quite sweet," she added.

The chill in the air softened slightly. He turned toward the fruit plate on the coffee table.

Picking up an apple and the fruit knife, he began peeling it carefully.

His hands were elegant, his fingers long and slender. They looked immaculate.

Elise quickly averted her gaze.

She wasn't ashamed to admit her caution. After everything she'd been through, she couldn't afford to take risks.

She'd rather miss opportunities than make the wrong choice. No exceptions.

William finished peeling and slicing the apple, presenting it to her.

"Thank you," she said, accepting the plate. She began eating slowly.

She'd never particularly liked fruits before, but now she found apples surprisingly pleasant. Crisp, sweet, and satisfying with every bite.

"Is it good?" William asked.

"Yes," she nodded.

"Let me try," he said.

"Of course," she replied, picking up her fork with a slice she'd been about to eat herself.

Meanwhile, Benjamin scoffed. "She needs to take responsibility and apologize."

"Will she actually do it?" Sophia questioned.

"She has no choice," Benjamin said through clenched teeth. "Either she apologizes, or she faces legal consequences."

Back in Elise's hospital room, William returned her phone.

"Thank you," she said quietly as she took it.

He watched her for a moment before approaching her bedside. He picked up the patient file lying nearby.

"Temporary hearing loss in the right ear?" he read aloud.

"It's only temporary," Elise confirmed.

William raised an eyebrow. "How long will it last?"

"If it's like before, about a month."

"Like before?" William had a knack for catching important details.

"The same thing happened when I was younger," Elise explained calmly. "It lasted a month that time too."

William's fingers tightened around the file. His hand trembled slightly despite his controlled demeanor.