Elizabeth York had always considered herself blessed.

Apart from minor romantic troubles, her life had been smooth sailing.

She never imagined her entire world would shatter so completely. How could a legitimate heiress like her become the daughter of a mistress? "We have no connection anymore, Elizabeth York."

Nancy's voice was chillingly distant.

Seeing Elizabeth's devastation did stir a flicker of remorse in her, but the memory of her biological daughter's suffering because of Elizabeth only fueled her disgust. She despised Elizabeth for stealing everything that rightfully belonged to her real daughter!

"Mother..." Elizabeth whispered desperately.

"Don't call me that!" Nancy snapped with visible revulsion.

"I'm sorry," Elizabeth apologized—for usurping another's life.

"Your apologies mean nothing," Nancy stated coldly. "The best repayment for all the kindness I wasted on you is to disappear from my sight forever!"

With those final words, Nancy stormed out. She couldn't bear another moment in that room or another glance at Elizabeth. Her resolve was absolute, her heart hardened.

Tears welled in Elizabeth's eyes as she turned toward the other blurred figure. "William..." she called out involuntarily.

William had paused after Nancy's departure, hesitating before leaving. At Elizabeth's voice, he stopped.

"Or should I say Mr. Levine?" Elizabeth asked bitterly, tears streaming down her face. She had always cherished her family, only to discover they weren't really hers.

"What do you want?"

William turned, his response icy.

She'd grown accustomed to his coldness since childhood, but now it cut deep. This was true abandonment—her world collapsing around her. Still, she forced herself to speak calmly. "Please tell Elise I can't assist with her trial anymore."

William swallowed hard. "I've already informed her."

"Thank you," she murmured.

He held her gaze briefly before turning away without another word, leaving Elizabeth alone with Ethan in the hospital room.

She wept continuously while Ethan sat silently beside her bed, a solemn presence in the heavy silence.

Finally, Elizabeth spoke through her tears, her voice flat. "I used to mock you for not being a real Levine, called you their loyal lapdog... I suppose this is my karma."

Her tears flowed more freely as she continued. "So I'm not a Levine after all. Just a discarded bastard."

She let out a sudden, bitter laugh. Who could have predicted life could become this cruel?