Elise turned swiftly toward Matthew. Her voice was low but firm. "I'm leaving with the prosecutors now. You're in charge of everything here. The tender invitation will certainly be canceled, but keep stalling. Buy time until I return to handle this situation."

"Yes, Ms. Scott," Matthew responded immediately, though anxiety flickered in his eyes. He marveled at her composure. Even facing such a crisis, she remained unshaken.

With those brief instructions, Elise walked away with the prosecutors.

News of Elise's arrest spread like wildfire across Crestwood. The entire city was stunned. She had been dominating headlines recently. Just as one scandal faded, another more sensational one emerged.

It felt like she was permanently trending. William was in the middle of an overseas meeting when Elise was taken. Elizabeth called to inform him, but he dismissed her first call.

When she called again, he knew something was wrong.

Elizabeth always feared him. She wouldn't persistently bother him during important meetings. Unless it involved Elise.

William immediately left the conference room. The executives exchanged confused glances.

Their CEO never abandoned meetings. And that dark expression was terrifying.

Samuel, attuned to his boss's moods, quickly followed.

"What happened?" William demanded as soon as the call connected.

"William..." Elizabeth's voice trembled with tears. "Elise is in serious trouble..."

William's chest tightened. "Explain."

"I just saw it on the news! Prosecutors arrested Elise for bribery and tax evasion!" Elizabeth said urgently. "I'm filming a variety show on location. I can't return until day after tomorrow. I don't know details, but Elise would never commit crimes. You need to return immediately! This feels bigger than it appears!"

William hung up instantly. He turned to Samuel behind him. "Get the car. We're going to the airport."

"But sir, the meeting..." Samuel pointed out.

"Video conference. Once we're back in Crestwood."

"Yes, sir." Samuel recognized that expression. The missus was in danger again.

Why were so many vile people determined to hurt her? Samuel suspected it was because of his boss. Success always attracted jealousy.

While Samuel handled work arrangements via phone, he joined William in the car to the airport. He remained silent, watching William's grim expression. William pulled out his phone and dialed.

"Andrew," he said when the call connected.

"Well, hello! This call honors me, Mr. Extremely Busy," Andrew Saunders joked from the other end.

William ignored the banter. "Your wife is a lawyer, correct?"

"That she is."

"Elise is in trouble. Have your wife post her bail. Everything else can wait until I return. I'm heading to the airport now. Should arrive in Crestwood around 2 a.m."

"Consider it done," Andrew agreed immediately.

Of course William would intervene when something this serious happened to Elise.

Though Andrew wondered if the Levines would actually permit William's involvement. He sat up in the hotel bed. The woman beside him immediately wrapped her arms around his waist, purring coquettishly. "Oh, Mr. Saunders. Where are you going—"

Andrew suddenly turned, giving her a sharp look. She instantly released him.

Everyone in the nightlife scene knew Andrew Saunders was handsome and generous. Any woman sharing his bed experienced breathtaking pleasure and substantial financial gain. He was the most popular figure among nightclub workers.

However, there was one strict rule: never upset him. The consequences were severe.