The car finally pulled up at Levine Manor. Ethan practically stumbled out, immediately doubling over and vomiting violently.

Elizabeth stood behind him, watching as his head hung low between his knees.

He had seemed fine during the ride, but now he was retching as if his stomach was turning inside out.

"Should I call the family doctor–" she began.

"Achoo!" He sneezed before she could finish, then continued heaving.

It was a truly dreadful sight.

Elizabeth took a cautious step back. "I'll get the doctor," she said firmly.

She hurried into the manor.

Alexander Johnson, the family physician, eventually helped Ethan inside since Elizabeth lacked the strength to support him.

After taking a shower, she stepped out of her room and noticed Ethan's door was still open, light spilling into the hallway.

She hesitated for a moment before deciding to check on him.

Alexander had hooked Ethan up to an IV. The man lay pale against the pillows, looking less drunk and more genuinely ill.

His eyes were closed, suggesting he was finally asleep.

"Ms. York." Alexander greeted her respectfully.

"How is he?" Elizabeth asked quietly.

"Severe alcohol intoxication. We'll see how he responds to the IV fluids. If there's no improvement by morning, he'll need a gastroscopy at the hospital. We must monitor for any triggered gastric complications."

"Is it really that serious?"

"Mr. Parker has a history of mild gastritis and typically avoids heavy drinking," Alexander explained. "His system simply couldn't handle the amount of alcohol he consumed tonight. Please advise him to be more cautious in the future."

"I will," Elizabeth replied. "How long will the IV take?"

"Approximately two hours."

It was already 1 AM, and Ethan had work in the morning...

"Don't worry, Ms. York. I'll stay with Mr. Parker."

Elizabeth nodded and left, but sleep eluded her as she lay in bed.

Her mind kept replaying how Ethan kept drinking with Nathan, each time intercepting when Nathan tried to drink with her...

She pulled the blanket tighter around herself.

He shouldn't have given her hope!

Under the same moon, William was driving Elise home, though he had fallen asleep during the journey.

Seeing he remained unconscious even after they arrived at her apartment building, Elise gestured to the driver before carefully opening the car door.

Just as she was about to slip out, William's hand shot out and gripped her wrist. In the next instant, she was pulled firmly into his embrace!

He smelled strongly of alcohol, though the scent was somewhat tempered by his usual pine fragrance.

Elise struggled slightly—he was supposed to be asleep!

"Let me go!" she protested. "I'm home. You should head back now."

William blinked, his gaze unfocused as he looked outside. It took him a moment to process that they had indeed reached her apartment.

"I'll walk you upstairs," he insisted.

"It's very late," she refused.

"Exactly why I'm accompanying you. It's unsafe this late," he argued.

Elise was speechless.

He was the primary reason it felt unsafe!

Nevertheless, she alighted with him, watching as he walked ahead with surprising steadiness.

Had she misjudged how drunk he was?

Soon, they reached her door. "This is it. You can go now," Elise said.

"Okay," William replied simply.