The morning sun filtered through Elise's curtains, casting warm patterns across her bed.

She stirred awake, reaching instinctively for her phone on the nightstand.

A text notification glowed on the screen, sent from William Levine.

[Good morning, beautiful.]

Her lips curved into an unconscious smile as she read the message.

She lingered in bed for a moment longer, the simple words warming her heart.

Then she rose, determined to maintain her usual routine despite the flutter in her chest.

She dressed carefully in her professional attire.

Her makeup was applied with precision, each stroke restoring her corporate armor.

The drive to Stellar Group passed in a blur of morning traffic and scattered thoughts.

But as she approached her office, the familiar figures waiting there snapped her back to reality.

Benjamin Scott stood with Victoria Scott and Margaret Scott, forming an unwelcome welcoming committee.

"Oh, you're here, Elise." Victoria's voice dripped with false warmth that didn't reach her eyes.

Elise gave them a sidelong glance, already understanding their purpose.

She didn't break stride, moving past them into her office sanctuary.

Taking her seat behind the polished desk, she watched as they filed in after her.

"Elise," Benjamin began, his tone carefully neutral. "Your grandmother has come to make amends."

He shot a meaningful look at Margaret, who stood stiffly beside him.

Margaret's expression was tight, her displeasure at having to humble herself evident in every line of her body.

Yet she knew the alternative—facing criminal charges at her age was unthinkable.

Besides, there would be other opportunities to put Elise in her place once this was resolved.

Taking a visible breath, Margaret stepped forward, attempting a grandmotherly expression.

She reached for Elise's hand, but Elise withdrew it before contact could be made.

The rejection hung in the air between them, stark and undeniable.

Margaret recovered quickly, her smile strained but persistent. "Elise, I behaved poorly the other day. My emotions got the better of me, and I struck you. I heard about your ear injury, so I brought some nutritional supplements and fresh fruits to aid your recovery."

She placed several elegantly wrapped packages on the desk.

Elise glanced at them dismissively, showing no particular interest in the offerings.

A flash of irritation crossed Margaret's features before she controlled it again under Benjamin's warning look.

"I recognize my mistake," Margaret continued, her voice taking on a pleading note. "Please don't make this more difficult than it needs to be. You wouldn't want your elderly grandmother kneeling before you, would you? We're family, after all. You can't possibly want to see me imprisoned at my age."

Elise saw through the performance perfectly.

The Scotts were only concerned about their reputation, about avoiding public scandal.

This apology was merely a formality before they launched their next attack.

Still, Elise knew when to pick her battles. "Of course I don't want to see you in prison..."

Ruining her own reputation over the Scotts wasn't worth the cost.

The court of public opinion would never side completely with a granddaughter prosecuting her grandmother.

"But do you really believe a simple apology is sufficient?" Elise finished, her gaze sharp.

Margaret had expected this resistance.

She had prepared for Elise's stubbornness.

Everything could wait until they had secured what they needed from Elise.

"What would you have me do to earn your forgiveness?" Margaret asked, her voice deceptively mild. "Shall I offer you the chance to strike me in return?"

She presented the suggestion with apparent sincerity.

Elise smiled coldly.

If she dared to hit Margaret, her legal case would evaporate instantly.

The Scotts would use that single moment of violence to destroy her completely.

"I wouldn't dare strike you," Elise said bluntly.

Near the door, Victoria concealed her disappointment.

She had hidden a camera in her purse, hoping to capture exactly that moment.

Evidence of Elise attacking her grandmother would have been perfect ammunition.

"Then what would satisfy you?" Margaret asked, maintaining her composed demeanor.