William thought to himself that Elise should be focusing on him instead of inquiring about Victoria!

Still, he gave a nod. "Yes."

"What's the connection between you two?" Elise asked directly—after that misunderstanding with William and Elizabeth, she had resolved to clarify everything upfront.

"Our grandfathers fought together in the war and remained close friends. They kept in touch regularly despite living in different cities. My grandfather particularly enjoyed visiting them, so he often brought me along to Stuart Manor in Rockville. As for Victoria Stuart, she's..."

William paused, searching for the right description, and Elise raised an eyebrow. "Your childhood sweetheart?"

"No," William denied immediately. "More like the girl next door."

The girl next door?!

That sounded far more intimate than necessary!

William continued, "Anyway, when my grandfather sent me abroad for studies, Charles Stuart—her grandfather—arranged for her to study overseas too. After we graduated from university, I focused on expanding Levine Holdings in international markets, while she remained abroad to manage Stuart Group. We've always looked out for each other because of our families' long-standing relationship."

Looked out for each other? In what way?!

William's lips curved into a faint smile when he saw Elise's skeptical expression. "Don't worry. There's nothing romantic between us."

"Your history is your own business, and I'm not particularly interested," Elise replied casually, though a slight smile played on her lips.

Her response put William in better spirits, and he remarked, "You're making progress, Ms. Scott."

"What?" Elise looked confused.

"Now you're asking questions directly," he said. "Unlike before, when you'd silently condemn me without a word."

Elise felt her cheeks warm, but she knew she'd never live down suspecting William of having something with Elizabeth.

After dinner, they headed to Elise's apartment in William's Maybach.

With just Elise and James chatting animatedly in the backseat, William once again felt like the odd one out.

Despite this, Elise suddenly felt her fingers tremble as her heartbeat quickened.

In the dim interior of the car, William had quietly taken her hand, his grip firm and sure.

She pressed her lips together slightly, while William turned to gaze out the window after capturing her hand.

She could sense his determination from the set of his shoulders—he had no intention of letting go.

But she didn't pull away either, surprised to find she didn't feel the discomfort she'd expected.

"Mommy?" James called out to her just then.

Elise snapped back to attention and continued her conversation with the boy.

As the luxury car moved through the city, William maintained his hold even though Elise's palm grew damp with nervous sweat. Here she was, a grown woman well past her first experiences with romance, reacting like a teenager!

It wasn't until they reached Elise's apartment building that she flexed her fingers and William reluctantly released her.

Opening the car door, she told James softly, "Goodbye, sweetheart."

"Bye, Mommy," he replied with clear reluctance.

Elise gently patted his cheek before stepping out, and the Maybach didn't pull away until she had entered the elevator.

The car fell into sudden silence, with James sitting quietly in his seat, far less animated than when he'd been with Elise.

"James," William said suddenly.

"Yes, Daddy?" the boy replied formally.

"Would you like to attend a summer camp?" William asked.

When James tilted his head in confusion, William added, "The kind that lasts for a full month."

James immediately pursed his little lips. "You might as well just leave me at an orphanage, Daddy."

William had no response to that.