Patrick Montgomery fell into a heavy silence.

Elise Scott had no intention of explaining herself further.

But seeing that Patrick had traveled all this way, she felt she owed him some justification for her refusal. "I understand your perspective, and there are clear benefits for me in this arrangement."

"However, I refuse to be drawn into this family vendetta. I simply don't have the capacity for it."

"Our families exist on a level far beyond my reach or comprehension. I'm not an ambitious person—all I truly desire is a peaceful life."

"You could argue that my life lacks peace right now, and I'd agree. But at the very least, I won't actively destroy whatever peace I have left through my own choices."

Patrick's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "Is this because of your son?"

The change in Elise's expression was immediate and unmistakable.

"It wasn't difficult to discover," Patrick stated matter-of-factly.

Elise glared at him coldly. "If that's the kind of person you are, Mr. Montgomery, I don't believe we have anything further to discuss—"

"I'm not so despicable as to threaten you using your child," Patrick quickly clarified. "I'm well aware of the saying about a mother's strength. But don't you think your son deserves the same peace you're seeking?"

"That's my concern alone," Elise replied coolly. "If you truly mean what you say about not threatening me, then don't even consider using my son as leverage."

"Very well," Patrick nodded, his tone shifting subtly. "But may I ask... don't you want to take control of your own destiny? Are you content to keep enduring the humiliation Victoria Stuart heaps upon you? Or perhaps you're placing your hopes in William Levine? He's a businessman first. While I don't deny he has feelings for you, few men possess the resolve to stand by one choice to the very end, especially when the losses begin to outweigh the gains."

"Well, you're a businessman too, Mr. Montgomery," Elise countered with a slight scoff. "Moreover, we've only just met. Why should I trust you enough to form an alliance? Shared goals? What happens when our interests no longer align?"

"Political alliances shift constantly, and you are a Montgomery at your core. If your family eventually reconciles, wouldn't I simply become disposable collateral?"

"That's precisely why I've brought you a gift, Miss Scott." Patrick produced another document envelope from his briefcase.

Elise stared at him, immediately assuming he was attempting to bribe her.

Before she could refuse, Patrick said earnestly, "Please, examine its contents first."

Reluctantly, Elise opened the envelope. Her face paled the moment she saw what was inside.

She never expected he would go to such lengths to secure her cooperation!

She turned back to Patrick, who offered a faint smile. "If you ever feel I've betrayed you, you may use that to completely destroy my reputation. However, I must emphasize one thing—regardless of how things unfold between William Levine and Victoria, I'm currently the only one who can guarantee your protection. At the very least, if you work with me, she wouldn't dare use her influence to harm you."

Despite his words, Elise remained silent.

Patrick rose to his feet. "Take your time to consider my proposal, Miss Scott."

"Wait. You forgot this." Elise extended the envelope toward him.

"Keep it," Patrick told her. "Consider it a token of my sincerity regarding our potential partnership. I believe I still have a chance before you completely reject me."

"Alright," Elise said suddenly. "You have a deal."

A smile touched Patrick's lips, though he quickly concealed his satisfaction.

The Montgomerys truly were masters of maintaining composure, weren't they?

Yet it wasn't his sincerity that had convinced her; it was his earlier words.

A mother's strength.

And Elise knew she had to try, for James's sake.