This was the sensation of plummeting from heaven straight into hell.

Elizabeth had always believed such dramatic falls only existed in television scripts. Yet through some cruel twist of fate, it was happening to her.

"Elizabeth..." Ethan's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Leave," she commanded, finally turning to face him. His expression was etched with genuine concern. "The Levines will be furious if you remain here. My mother—" She caught herself, correcting sharply, "I mean, Mrs. Levine makes her opinions abundantly clear. When she despises someone, she shows no mercy, destroying everything in her path. Stay with me, and you'll become her next target."

"Even if William inherits the family empire, their favoritism isn't that overt. You should understand—Henry Levine has spoiled her since childhood. He would never allow anyone to cause her distress."

Elizabeth was already adjusting how she referred to the same people, forcing herself to remain strong and accept her new reality.

Ethan watched her in silence. At only twenty-five, after a lifetime of indulgence, she seemed to have matured in an instant.

But this sudden growth was painful to witness.

The door swung open again. Elizabeth turned to see an unfamiliar woman rushing toward her.

The woman threw herself at Elizabeth's feet, sobbing uncontrollably. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth... I'm so terribly sorry!"

Elizabeth blinked, realization dawning. Simultaneously, agitation surged through her.

She truly didn't want to see this woman.

Why? Why had her life been swapped with such malicious intent? She would have preferred having nothing from the start rather than being rejected by those she loved so deeply.

"I—I wasn't thinking clearly back then... Both of you are Ivan's children, so why should Nancy Levine's daughter live a life of luxury?!"

Clara wept, completely falling apart as she spoke.

"That's why I switched you with Cora in a moment of madness. You looked so similar as infants..."

Regret came too late—in truth, she had regretted her decision soon after making the switch and attempted to reverse it. She simply never found the opportunity.

Even so...

"I don't need your explanations, and I don't want to see you!"

Elizabeth screamed at the woman with all her remaining strength. "Whatever your reasons were, you ceased to matter to me the day you abandoned me. Get out!"

"Elizabeth..."

"Get out! I never want to lay eyes on you! You abandoned me back then—you should have never returned! I will never forgive you!"

Elizabeth shrieked, all her pent-up emotions erupting at once.

Everything was this woman's fault! If not for her, Elizabeth wouldn't be suffering this tragedy!

Clara tried to continue. "Elizabeth, I'm actually—"

Suddenly Ethan stepped forward and spoke quietly. "Elizabeth can't handle the truth right now. It's best if you leave."

Clara collapsed to the floor, sobbing relentlessly. Ethan helped her to her feet and gently persuaded her to depart.

Knowing Elizabeth would never accept her, Clara had to endure the heartbreak and exit... Once she was gone, Ethan returned to Elizabeth's hospital room.

"Why did you come back?" Elizabeth asked, having calmed somewhat, her gaze fixed on him.

"You always kept your distance when I was still the Levine heiress. Now that I'm nothing... What reason could you possibly have to stay? To mock me? Don't worry, I won't sue over that accident. I have nothing left, so I lack the means anyway."

"Elizabeth, I kept my distance because—"

Thud! An ashtray struck Ethan's forehead with a dull impact. A trail of blood immediately flowed from the cut, staining the corner of his eye crimson.

"That settles our debt. We have nothing between us now," Elizabeth declared loudly and clearly.