Sophia was taken aback that Ethan would help Amanda escape.

She knew they weren't particularly close. They hadn't even gone on a single date since announcing their relationship.

Yet when Amanda was desperate, he came to her rescue without caring about appearances. He was like Prince Charming arriving on a white horse to save his beloved!

Any woman would envy such devotion and wish for a boyfriend like that.

Sophia felt a twinge of jealousy herself, especially since Samuel hadn't shown up at all.

At least she had only lost the competition—her reputation remained intact.

With Amanda gone, she could still win the journalists' sympathy. But just as she prepared to speak, the reporters abandoned her completely. Sophia watched helplessly as they flocked toward Elise like moths to flame. Gritting her teeth, she left reluctantly.

"Ms. Scott, how do you feel about being framed? Isn't this treatment completely unacceptable?"

"Aren't you disappointed? Amanda is your ex-boyfriend's sister, and this is how she treats you?!"

"Ms. Scott, why did you hide your identity as Lovely? Is there a special reason?"

"What's your opinion of Sophia's design?!"

Despite the journalists' agitated questions, Elise remained calm. "I don't think I'm the one suffering here. The truth is out, and it doesn't affect me personally. As for disappointment? I believe there are others feeling much more disappointed than I am."

She was clearly referring to Amanda.

After being betrayed by her so-called sister, Amanda probably wanted to murder Sophia.

"I have personal reasons for keeping my Lovely identity secret, so I can't share them. Please understand." Elise attempted to leave.

The journalists persistently blocked her path.

"Ms. Scott, don't you think Samuel might be connected to Amanda's actions?"

"He repeatedly tried to sabotage you despite your past relationship. Don't you have anything to say to him?"

"We heard you gave up an opportunity to study abroad back then. Do you think it was worth it now?"

Fatigue finally showed on Elise's face.

It was already late, and she had been overworking herself for this competition. All she wanted was for it to end so she could get some proper sleep.

"Samuel and I are over. There's nothing between us anymore." Elise gathered her strength to respond. "If he chooses to lie and deceive, that's his responsibility and has nothing to do with me." She added firmly, "Please let me through. It's late, and I need to rest."

"Ms. Scott—"

The journalists continued their badgering until a helicopter suddenly descended from overhead. Its powerful rotors kicked up a fearsome gust as it bellowed through the night air.

Everyone turned to watch as it steadily landed. The door slid open.

A man in a black suit emerged, his upright figure radiating nobility and elegance.

His presence alone inspired both fear and awe, though his face remained concealed by a luxurious black umbrella.

His commanding presence and towering frame suggested both exceptional looks and extraordinary status.

He strode purposefully toward the crowd of journalists, his bodyguards following closely behind.

The six bodyguards were equally imposing, their intimidating presence keeping everyone in line, afraid to offend such an important figure.

With his security clearing a path, the man easily approached Elise and extended his hand toward her.

His hand was elegant with fair skin and chiseled fingers. The expensive watch on his wrist worth a king's ransom complemented his every movement, projecting indescribable nobility.

Elise certainly recognized who it was—she just never expected William would come personally to retrieve her.

He always seemed to appear whenever she found herself in trouble and needed help!