William loomed in the doorway, his voice dangerously low. "What are you doing here?!"

Elizabeth froze, unable to form words. She had never moved out of Elise's apartment, despite William arranging alternative accommodation for her.

Meanwhile, Elise took a deep breath before emerging from her study. She couldn't bear seeing Elizabeth trembling like a frightened kitten.

"It's getting late. You should head home," Elise told William.

William's lips pressed into a thin line—he could still feel the ghost of Elise's kiss on his mouth.

But he hadn't enjoyed it!

His scowl deepened as he growled, "I asked what you're doing here?"

He clearly needed to vent his frustration before he could calm down.

"..." Elizabeth remained speechless, casting a pleading look toward Elise.

"I invited her to stay," Elise explained calmly. "I was concerned about her being alone, so I offered her my spare room."

"Why would she need company? She's been independent since she was eighteen!" William snapped through clenched teeth.

"Well, if you're so concerned, why don't you move in with Elise instead? If you do, I'll gladly move out!" Elizabeth suddenly fired back, mustering all her courage with a defiant glare.

William's face darkened instantly, while Elise found herself in an awkward position.

If these two actually started fighting, would she really need to play mediator?

"Anyway, I'm exhausted from shooting all day and need a bath. Feel free to continue your discussion. I won't interrupt," Elizabeth declared, making a quick escape.

Staying any longer risked William actually losing his temper.

Even as she retreated, William shouted after her, "And delete that inappropriate content from Elise's laptop!"

Elizabeth paused, then realization dawned.

Linda—her manager—had sent those videos for research purposes, and she'd simply left them on Elise's computer.

Her manager had been worried about Elizabeth's lack of experience for an upcoming intimate scene. She'd provided reference materials, concerned Elizabeth might struggle with the performance.

Elizabeth appreciated her manager's dedication, but couldn't she learn these things naturally?!

Meanwhile, Elise was taken aback by William's assumption, sneaking a sideways glance at him.

Why was he so certain those videos belonged to Elizabeth and not her?!

She felt unexpectedly touched, sensing his complete and unconditional trust in her.

But did she deserve such faith?!

She wasn't sure...

"It's not inappropriate! It's educational material!" Elizabeth retorted as if stating the obvious—they were all adults, after all. Still, she quickly surrendered under William's murderous glare. "Fine, whatever. I'll delete them."

Though internally, she couldn't help complaining.

Would he have ever kissed Elise without her so-called "inappropriate" help?

Where was the gratitude?

Marching into the study, she deleted the videos while Elise continued urging William to leave at the door. "You have work tomorrow, and James is home alone. You should go."

"Right." William finally agreed, but shot another warning look toward Elizabeth in the study, his expression clearly displeased.

Elise couldn't suppress a small smile—she'd learned enough about him to know he could be quite petty.

"Goodnight," she said, holding the door open for him.

But as William stepped out, his eyes drifted to her lips again, making her cheeks burn.

She quickly closed the door, nearly hitting William in the face.

He let out a heavy sigh as the door clicked shut.