"Hello, Ms. Scott. I've heard so much about you, but you're even more stunning than you appeared during the press conference." Andrew complimented her sincerely.

"You're too kind." Elise smiled gracefully. "You're quite handsome yourself."

Andrew flashed a proud grin and threw William a challenging look, which William completely ignored.

Pulling out a chair for Elise, William explained, "I've known them since childhood—our families have always been close. Though I spent most of my years abroad and rarely returned. This is actually my first birthday celebration here in Crestwood, so they insisted on joining us."

His words subtly conveyed that he would have preferred celebrating alone with her, but his friends had invited themselves along.

"Just relax and be yourself. Don't feel pressured by their presence," William added quietly, showing genuine concern for her comfort.

Elise nodded gracefully.

It was his special day, and she would respect whatever made him happy.

Still, she wondered if she would get the opportunity to share what she had prepared to tell him tonight.

The door suddenly swung open, interrupting her thoughts, and a familiar feminine voice filled the room.

"Starting the party without me? You're all terrible!"

Elise turned to see Elizabeth entering energetically, carrying a beautifully arranged bouquet.

"Who would dare begin without our beloved entertainment queen?" Nathan exclaimed with dramatic flair.

"Good answer." Elizabeth beamed and walked directly to William, wrapping her arms around his neck in an affectionate hug. "Happy birthday, my dear."

William's eyes, however, were fixed on the bouquet with clear disapproval. "This is what you got me after polling your entire Twitter following?"

"Hey, I poured my heart into this," Elizabeth defended passionately. "I personally selected every flower and arranged them myself. It's completely unique, just like my feelings for you."

"Remember, we're not on a movie set here, sweetheart," Nathan teased playfully.

Elizabeth shot him a sharp glare. "This is between William and me. Keep your opinions to yourself!"

Nathan simply shrugged, completely accustomed to their sibling-like banter.

William snorted dismissively. "I bought you that limited edition Hermès Himalayan Birkin for your birthday, and all I get in return is flowers? Your affection for me clearly knows no bounds."

"You never told me what you wanted!" Elizabeth protested, giving him a wounded expression. "Besides, you can buy anything you desire. How could you expect extravagant gifts from a struggling actress like me who lives paycheck to paycheck?"

"Fine, whatever. Take a seat," William grumbled, not wanting to argue further. "And next time, go easier on the perfume. It's overwhelming."

"Stop being so dramatic!" Elizabeth retorted, though she discreetly sniffed her own wrist. "This is an exclusive vintage blend. I wouldn't normally use something this precious on myself, but I made an exception for your birthday. Do you even appreciate fine things?!"

She then naturally settled into the seat beside Elise.

Elise pressed her lips together slightly, calmly observing the playful exchange between William and Elizabeth.

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Even though William claimed to dislike flowers, his eyes lingered on the bouquet several times after Elizabeth mentioned she had arranged it personally.

Elizabeth leaned closer to Elise, asking conspiratorially, "Elise, don't you think this fragrance is exquisite?"

"Indeed," Elise replied knowledgeably. "Royal Chamber's signature rose perfume. It's the Hermès of fragrances, and more importantly, it's been discontinued for years. It only appears occasionally at exclusive auctions, making it a true collector's treasure."

"You really know your perfumes. Men understand nothing about these things," Elizabeth praised genuinely.

Elise possessed far more sophistication and depth than she had imagined, and Elizabeth found herself admiring her more with each meeting.

In fact, Elizabeth had been absolutely thrilled watching Elise dismantle Samuel and Sophia during the press conference, cheering and applauding excitedly from her living room. She would have invited Elise out for celebratory drinks immediately if her schedule had allowed!

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Fortunately, William's birthday provided the perfect opportunity, and Elizabeth planned to enjoy the evening thoroughly.

If she were completely honest, she wouldn't have bothered joining this gathering with "the boys" if Elise hadn't been attending.