"Let me take you to the hospital," Elise insisted.

She had driven her own car to the police station while Samuel had arrived in the patrol car.

From every angle she considered it, giving him a ride was the right thing to do.

"It's not necessary. These are just surface wounds. They'll heal in a few days." Samuel shook his head. "It's late. You should go home."

"You need to get checked out for peace of mind," she pressed.

She simply wanted to avoid any complications.

"Thank you." After a brief hesitation, Samuel finally agreed.

They both got into the car.

Elise drove while Samuel sat in the passenger seat.

"I didn't know you could drive," Samuel remarked. "I've never seen you behind the wheel before."

"I never had the time before," Elise stated frankly.

Samuel looked down, guilt flashing in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Elise. Back then, I..."

"I don't want to talk about the past." Elise cut him off sharply.

She didn't believe Samuel had truly changed his character, and she had no energy for his performance.

"Why were you looking for me today?" Elise got straight to the point.

Samuel pressed his lips together.

Looking at Elise now, without prejudice, he had to admit she was an incredibly sharp woman. Lying to her was futile.

He sighed. "You probably know about Mitchell Corp's current situation."

Of course she did. They were in the same industry.

Previously, Mitchell Corp had tried to boost brand recognition through heavy media exposure. They spent fortunes on advertising, which not only failed but backfired. Their stock plummeted sharply, and with several major investors pulling out, Mitchell Corp was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.

"I came to you not to ask for money—I know running Stellar Group single-handedly isn't easy, and your funds are limited too. I heard Stellar plans to launch brand collaborations. Mitchell Corp is an established name in fashion. Having worked there so long, you know better than anyone that, putting everything else aside, Mitchell Corp has very mature operational and management systems..."

Samuel spoke at length, then glanced at Elise's cold expression. "I want to collaborate with you."

"I won't consider working with Mitchell Corp." Elise flatly refused.

"I can offer you the best terms..."

"It's precisely because I worked at Mitchell Corp that I know its management system isn't mature—it's outdated and conservative. It can't keep up with modern marketing strategies. Furthermore, Mitchell Corp's current brand design doesn't meet my standards. Brand collaborations are for mutual benefit. Working with you would only be a burden for me." Elise's words were merciless.

"I can change," Samuel said urgently. "When you were at Mitchell Corp, didn't you suggest reforms? I was too arrogant and stubborn back then. Now I finally see I was going the wrong way. I can change immediately. Our design department is weaker, but we can build support. I'll do everything to meet your needs."

"Samuel, if you really understood me, you'd know I would never choose to work with you. What happened between us ended with our breakup. There will be no further interactions." Elise stopped the car at the hospital entrance and turned to him. "We're here."

Samuel clenched his fists.

Elise was terrifyingly cold-blooded.

He knew she was tough, but he hadn't expected her to be completely unmoved.

He was practically begging, yet Elise didn't yield an inch.

Gritting his teeth, knowing he was no match for Elise, he had no choice but to open the door and get out.

Just then, he suddenly winced in pain.

He had clearly aggravated his injury.

Elise pretended not to notice.

She turned and walked into the emergency department, staying with Samuel through his full check-up. She paid his medical bills, waited until all his wounds were treated, and ensured he had no internal injuries before leaving the hospital with him.

As they stepped outside, they saw William standing bathed in moonlight.