Elise remained silent, deep in thought.

William waited patiently. Businessmen understood the value of time in negotiations.

She didn't take long to respond. "Your offers are certainly appealing, Mr. Levine. However, I'm capable of earning my own money. Accepting something for nothing feels wrong, regardless of the amount. As for the Mitchells and the Scotts, I'm confident they can't defeat me. Their downfall is inevitable."

Henry sipped his tea, his expression unreadable.

He slowly placed the cup down. "I can give you all three."

Meaning she wouldn't have to choose.

"I've made myself clear—I don't want any of them," Elise stated firmly.

"Have you considered that I could permanently withhold what I've offered and ensure you lose even more?" Henry's voice turned cold, the atmosphere chilling instantly.

"You want me to leave William voluntarily because you're afraid I won't break up with him," Elise exposed his intentions. "But why would I fear your threats when I have William as my advantage?"

Henry scowled, surprised she saw through him.

"So you've chosen to challenge me?" he growled.

"I'm too young and insignificant to challenge you, Mr. Levine," Elise replied. "All I seek is fairness—"

"I'll give you fairness!" Henry roared, cutting her off. "You will leave William, whether willingly or by force!"

Elise's gaze turned icy.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth was rushing back to Levine Manor.

The shock from Levine Holdings' 60th anniversary celebration had finally worn off.

She'd been worried the moment she spotted Victoria at the banquet.

That woman was no saint. Elizabeth refused to believe anyone could be that perfect!

Victoria's ability to fool so many people proved she was more dangerous than she appeared.

Unsurprisingly, she'd orchestrated the engagement announcement with William!

It was utterly despicable!

Elizabeth's heart broke watching Elise quietly slip away through the crowd downstairs.

She understood too well the pain of being hurt by someone you love. She was certain William knew nothing about being engaged to Victoria.

After years of Victoria hovering around him, both abroad and locally, William would have fallen for her already if he had any feelings. The sudden announcement was clearly forced, and even Elizabeth could see William's fury when they pulled that stunt!

As she prepared to follow Elise, Levine bodyguards stopped her, stating no one could leave before the banquet ended.

Elizabeth gritted her teeth but maintained composure—she knew better than to cause a scene at such an important event.

She called Elise, but Elise immediately hung up—understandable. If she were in Elise's position, she wouldn't want to talk either.

Elizabeth hadn't even told her best friend Samantha about her own heartbreaking rejection by Ethan.

When you're truly hurting, words become impossible.

So Elizabeth endured the remaining banquet, distracted and anxious to leave early to comfort Elise. Even if Elise didn't want to talk, Elizabeth could offer a shoulder to cry on.

It felt like forever before Henry finally departed, and about half the bodyguards left the hall, allowing Elizabeth to slip out.

Just as she reached her car, Ethan called from behind, "Elizabeth!"

He sounded urgent, clearly having run after her.

Elizabeth turned sharply, lips pressed together.

"If my instincts are correct, your grandfather has taken Elise back to Levine Manor," Ethan said quickly.

"How do you know?" Elizabeth asked.