Sophia glanced at her watch. It was only three in the afternoon.

"In a few hours," she replied.

"Can't you leave now?" Amanda Mitchell's voice was clearly annoyed. "I want you to come shopping with me."

Sophia hesitated.

Before, she could have just walked out of the office without a word. Her father wouldn't have said anything.

But now, Elise was in charge. Sophia worried she would notice and use it against her.

Still, she couldn't afford to upset Amanda. If she wanted to marry Samuel without any problems, she needed his sister's approval.

After a moment's thought, she agreed. "I'll be right there. Where should I meet you?"

"Aurora Plaza."

"I'll be there in twenty minutes."

She hung up and drove to the mall.

Meanwhile, Elise was sketching a design in her office when her phone rang.

She glanced at it casually, then set aside her draft and answered. "Mr. Levine."

"When will you call me something else?" That familiar voice was deep and magnetic.

"What would you prefer? Levine? William? Or perhaps a nickname I don't know?"

William didn't expect her to be so agreeable. He paused for a moment before chuckling. "The way you say it, it hardly makes a difference, except..."

"Except what?"

"Darling."

His tone was calm and mesmerizing.

Elise was speechless.

He continued, "It's alright. Take your time."

As if he didn't mind.

She pursed her lips. He was certainly thick-skinned.

Ignoring his flirtation, she asked directly, "What can I do for you?"

"Are you free right now?"

"No."

"James is looking for you."

"Look, Mr. Levine..."

"Have you forgotten about the 17th?"

"It's only the 15th," Elise said, checking the calendar as she spoke.

"The 17th is an important event. Everyone attending should dress appropriately. If it's convenient, could you help James pick out a tuxedo and make sure it fits? I can't make it because of an international teleconference."

He paused, then added, "Robert is bringing James to you. They should be arriving soon if there are no delays. I'm counting on you."

He had sent James over without giving her a chance to refuse. After explaining everything, he hung up.

Elise took a deep breath and maintained her composure.

She saved her draft, shut down her computer, and picked up her handbag to leave.

She had just reached the lobby when she saw Robert's car waiting at the entrance.

James Levine's little face was pressed against the window. His round eyes lit up with excitement when he saw her.

"Mommy!"

The clear, tender voice was a genuine balm for the soul.

Elise hurried to the car.

Fine!

While she disliked William's overbearing nature, she had missed James. It had been half a month since she last saw the boy.

They soon arrived at Aurora Plaza, the premier mall in Crestwood.

Elise held James's little hand and headed straight for the boutique.

However, they immediately ran into Sophia and Amanda, who were chatting and picking out dresses while listening to the sales assistant's introductions.

"I thought you didn't like William Levine. Why are you dressing so grandly for his grandfather's birthday?" Sophia asked.

"Why would I dress up for him? I'm dressing up for myself!" Amanda said smugly. "And to turn every head."

"You're beautiful, and your figure is stunning. Everyone will definitely be watching..."

Before Sophia could finish flattering Amanda, she turned and noticed Elise holding a little boy's hand and standing nearby.