Samuel's words carried a defensive edge, as if trying to convince himself more than her.

"What? Sophia loves you?" Elise let out a derisive laugh. "Sophia only covets what belongs to me. She feels compelled to take everything I desire."

"Don't waste your breath trying to poison my relationship with Sophia—"

"Then explain this," Elise interrupted sharply. "If Sophia loves you so deeply, why are the Scotts remaining passive while Mitchell Corp faces collapse? Why hasn't she secured the financial backing you desperately need?"

"Your father Benjamin is the one being unreasonable! Sophia actually argued with him, trying to persuade him to help me," Samuel retorted defensively.

"Oh? Really?" Elise's tone dripped with skepticism. "And what was the outcome of her noble efforts?"

"Sophia can't possibly override Benjamin's decisions!"

"Samuel, let me be blunt... Your life wouldn't have spiraled into this ruin if you'd never met Sophia."

"Elise!" Samuel's pride bristled at her cutting words.

"Benjamin is a man who values his public image above all else," Elise reasoned calmly. "While you're engaged to his daughter, he would never openly refuse assistance to you. The scandal would damage his reputation irreparably. In our world, trust and credibility are everything. Without them, how can anyone maintain their standing?" She leaned forward slightly. "If Sophia were genuinely committed to helping you, Benjamin would have provided the financial support by now. The truth is, she doesn't want to help you. She's using this situation to create distance between you."

"Do you honestly expect me to believe your poisonous lies?" Samuel laughed contemptuously. "You're just trying to manipulate me because you're jealous of what Sophia and I share! Let me make this clear, Elise. When Sophia learned about my family's financial crisis and that her father refused to help, she was the one who suggested I approach you. She told me you have the resources I need, and that I should find a way to make you cooperate! She knew we had history, yet she was willing to endure that discomfort to help me. There will never be another woman who loves me as selflessly as Sophia does!"

"Selflessly?" Elise couldn't contain her bitter laughter. The man's delusion was both pitiable and amusing. "Samuel, have you ever stopped to consider? Would someone who truly loves you encourage you to compromise your integrity with another woman? Look at it from another angle. If the Scotts were in trouble, and Sophia used her body to secure financial help from another man, could you accept that?"

Samuel fell silent, rendered speechless by her pointed question. After a long pause, he finally managed, "...Sophia would never betray me."

"I'll spell it out for you. She's setting up this entire charade to play the victim," Elise explained slowly, as if addressing a child. "Once something happens between us, Sophia will use it as justification. She'll claim you cheated first, then righteously break off the engagement. The Scotts will be able to reject your requests for help while maintaining their moral high ground. It's a simple, elegant plan. How can you not see through it?"

Samuel remained quiet, the silence stretching between them.

Elise's argument was logically sound, leaving no obvious flaws to challenge. Every piece fit together perfectly.

No.

He refused to believe Sophia would betray him like this.

Sophia's feelings for him were genuine, weren't they?

She had endured so much suffering when he was still with Elise. In recent years, she had been nothing but devoted and obedient. He shouldn't let Elise's poisonous words cloud his judgment!

Elise was clearly saying all this to manipulate him into letting her go.

No one was coming to rescue her, so she was trying to save herself.

Elise had always been clever—he knew that better than anyone. He wouldn't fall for her schemes!

After several moments of internal struggle, Samuel finally sneered, "Save your breath, Elise. Sophia loves me to the point of self-sacrifice. That's a truth nothing can shake. Did you really think I'd believe your pathetic lies?"

Elise clenched her fists, feeling waves of helplessness and despair wash over her.

Samuel had truly lost his mind to Sophia's manipulation.

"I know exactly what you're trying to do—make me release you. Unfortunately for you, Elise, I'm not that easily fooled!" Samuel mocked.

"No, you're the biggest fool I've ever known!" Elise snapped back.

"Enough!" Samuel had reached his limit with Elise's insults. He forced the pill into her mouth.

Swallow it!