Elise appeared completely guilty under William's intense scrutiny. He studied her carefully, his expression serious. "I'm curious, Ms. Scott," he began, his tone measured. "What exactly made you believe I was dating Elizabeth?"

Despite the gravity of his question, his relaxed brow betrayed his good mood.

Elise bit her lower lip, knowing full well that mentioning Samuel Mitchell's misleading words would only provoke William's ruthless side.

"Even if I were dating Elizabeth," William continued, emphasizing each word deliberately, "it's even more puzzling that you'd find it logical for me to have you both in the same place." His gaze intensified. "How irresponsible do you think I am in a relationship that I would do something like that?"

Elise had no rebuttal.

She should have questioned the situation with her usual calm reasoning. Yet for some inexplicable reason, she had accepted the idea of William dating Elizabeth without doubt.

Now understanding her mistake, she realized how foolish she had been. Had Samuel's foolishness somehow rubbed off on her?

Or perhaps...

As the thought crossed her mind, Elise's heart skipped a beat.

She refused to acknowledge that her judgment had been clouded because she cared too much!

William continued watching her, pressing for an answer since she remained silent. "So this is why you've been distant all this time, Ms. Scott? This is why you've been constantly rejecting me, even refusing to bring me a birthday present?"

Elise's eyes snapped up at that.

He hadn't mentioned the missing birthday present until now, and she had assumed he didn't care.

She was surprised to realize he had been keeping it to himself all along.

His interrogation left her thoroughly awkward.

She took a deep breath, preparing to apologize, but William suddenly stopped his questioning. "Never mind," he said dismissively. "Forget it."

As Elise blinked in confusion, he added, "As long as we've cleared things up."

He even sighed in relief.

Having resolved the misunderstanding, he didn't need her apology—he wasn't upset anyway.

Elise couldn't comprehend how he could be so tolerant, so indulgent toward her.

It was as if he had no reservations about her!

She seriously doubted he could be this infatuated with her so soon after they met.

But if that wasn't the case, why had he fallen for her?

"After all," he suddenly added with a grin, "I discovered something quite pleasing today."

Elise was puzzled.

What could possibly please him?

Because they cleared up the misunderstanding? Because he didn't have to figure out why she had been distant?

She had to admit, he was always remarkably attentive toward her.

"I mean," he clarified, his smile taking on a different meaning, "you and Samuel never actually did it."

His expression now radiated masculine satisfaction and accomplishment!

Elise's guilt quickly transformed into indignation.

All men really were pigs!

"Come on," he said eventually, taking her hand as if it were the most natural thing. "Let's get you home."

Elise's fingers twitched. Her instinct was to pull away, but she restrained herself because of the major misunderstanding she had about him.

At that moment, she realized his strategy—by not demanding an apology, he had made her feel indebted!

Now, whatever he did, she couldn't reject him and had to endure it.

There was no doubt about it—all successful businessmen were cunning!

"Let's stay a little longer," Elise suggested, taking another deep breath. "The others haven't had enough fun yet, and I'm not working tomorrow anyway."

"Okay," William agreed, his seemingly flat reply unable to conceal his glee.