Elise stared at Patrick Montgomery, her expression thoughtful. "I can't promise I'll be useful in your fight against Victoria Stuart. What I can do right now is increase the value of our partnership."

"That's sufficient," Patrick replied calmly. "When pursuing significant goals, haste often ruins everything—even past accomplishments."

"Shouldn't I at least brief you on our business strategy?"

"Not necessary," he dismissed. "I'm merely an investor. You have complete control over operations."

"Understood." Elise didn't press further, aware that his expertise lay in politics rather than commerce.

"Would you allow me to buy you dinner to celebrate our collaboration?" Patrick offered politely.

"I'm afraid I'm occupied for the next few days," Elise declined. "I need to pick up my son from school."

"Then I won't intrude," Patrick said with the refined manners of someone well-bred. "Here's my contact information. Please keep in touch."

"Of course."

After exchanging numbers, Patrick departed. The moment he left, word reached William Levine's faction.

Victoria's face darkened with displeasure, mirroring her brother James's scowl. "What does he hope to achieve by partnering with Elise Scott?"

James snorted derisively. "He's clearly attempting a business venture. Probably believes it'll help him challenge our position!"

He smirked contemptuously; Montgomery Stuart's health was failing rapidly.

This contrasted sharply with William Levine's active involvement in capital politics, gradually shifting the family's support to their side. Patrick had no chance of reversing the situation—certainly not now!

"Still, Elise Scott? He could have chosen anyone else! Does he genuinely think she can establish his business foothold? He overestimates her capabilities!" Victoria's prejudice against Elise remained evident.

"Don't underestimate her," William interjected, and both siblings immediately straightened with respect.

Turning toward them, he continued, "If she were easily dismissed, she would already be imprisoned."

Victoria lowered her head in embarrassment, but James quickly defended her. "That's primarily because William Levine has been secretly assisting her!"

"Which makes him the crucial element," William stated coolly. "As long as he doesn't marry Victoria, our position remains unstable. In my assessment, Patrick approached Elise specifically to draw William to his cause. It's a strategic move on his part!"

"But William isn't cooperating, and we can't force him—"

"I'll speak with Henry again. This matter must be resolved permanently." William's eyes narrowed dangerously, his gaze so sharp it could send chills down anyone's spine.

One week later, William arrived at Elise's residence the moment he returned to Crestwood.

It was already ten in the evening. Elise had just settled James for the night.

She was surprised to find William standing at her doorway, looking visibly fatigued. "James is asleep," she explained. "You or Charles can collect him after school tomorrow."

"We need to talk," William insisted, his tired eyes locking intensely with hers.