Elizabeth dragged her brother forcefully to a secluded corner in the manor's shadowy garden.

"William, what's this nonsense about your engagement to Victoria?!"

She was furious but kept her voice low. Her eyes nervously scanned the mansion, terrified someone might overhear.

"How is she?"

William's voice was deep and measured. He was asking about Elise, of course.

"You dare ask about her?!"

Elizabeth snapped angrily. "You disappeared for two days without a trace. No calls, no messages. How do you think she feels? She's putting on a brave face, obviously. Did you expect her to collapse in tears?"

"Grandfather confiscated my phone," William explained calmly. "He's monitoring my every move."

"That sly old fox," Elizabeth muttered. "So what's your plan? Are you actually going to marry Victoria?"

She paused, then added suspiciously, "Or were you just playing Elise all along..."

William's sharp glare silenced her immediately. Her brother had always been honorable. He wouldn't do something so deceitful.

"Here, take my phone and call Elise," Elizabeth offered, pulling her device from her pocket.

Before she could hand it over, a figure emerged from the darkness.

"Young Master." Elizabeth jumped in fright. She turned to see a black-suited bodyguard standing unnervingly close.

When had he approached so silently?

"The Old Master has ordered no private communications until Ms. Stuart leaves Crestwood," the bodyguard stated respectfully.

"This is insane!" Elizabeth cursed under her breath.

How could their grandfather be so controlling? He'd always ruled the Levine family with absolute authority, but this was beyond extreme. William was a grown man, not some pet on a leash.

Did he deserve no freedom at all?

"I'm simply following orders. Young Master, Miss, please understand," the bodyguard bowed apologetically.

Elizabeth looked desperately at William.

What now? Her eyes pleaded for guidance. If Victoria decided to stay in Crestwood permanently, would William remain a prisoner forever?

"Tell her to wait for me," William said firmly.

"For how long?" Elizabeth pressed.

"Young Master." The bodyguard stepped forward warningly, ready to intervene if the conversation continued.

William turned and walked away without another word.

Elizabeth stood frozen, watching his retreating figure.

'Damn it! Is William just going to accept this?' The injustice burned within her. If she felt this frustrated, how must Elise be suffering?

Elizabeth returned to the mansion, muttering curses under her breath as she endured the remaining hours of the torturous banquet.

Finally, at 10 PM, the two elderly patriarchs retired to their rooms. Only then were the other guests permitted to leave.

Elizabeth had planned to return to her own apartment, but her mother's persistent nagging forced her to stay the night at Levine Manor.

As she walked toward her bedroom, she passed Ethan's room and spotted Amanda inside...

If Elizabeth were honest, she'd never seen Amanda so subdued. The usually vibrant woman had become almost invisible, blending into the background like mere air.

Elizabeth had nearly forgotten Amanda was attending dinner at Levine Manor tonight.