Two figures stepped out from the black sedan blocking the road ahead.

The bodyguard in the backseat immediately tensed. "I'll handle this."

He exited the vehicle, intending to resolve the situation quickly.

Meanwhile, Elise's palm was slick with sweat as her fingers closed around the door handle.

She watched the bodyguard walk several paces away before she made her move.

Swinging the door open, she bolted from the car.

The driver noticed instantly and scrambled out to intercept her, but she was already diving into the black car that had been following them.

The vehicle sped away before he could reach it, leaving him stranded with his own car blocked.

Scowling in frustration, he pulled out his phone. "My apologies, Mr. Levine. Miss Scott has escaped."

Inside Patrick's car, Elise's heart continued to race even as they put distance between them and her former captors.

She drew a deep, steadying breath. Patrick watched her with an amused smile.

Elise turned to him, irritation flashing in her eyes at his entertained expression.

"Once again, I'm impressed by your capabilities, Miss Scott," he remarked. "To escape William's tight surveillance so effortlessly."

She remained silent, though it hadn't been effortless at all.

Her success stemmed from Ethan's trust in her, and she had exploited that trust.

Her phone buzzed with an incoming call, which she promptly declined.

Elise accompanied Patrick aboard his private jet to Rockville, where they proceeded to the city's most exclusive private hospital.

"After you," Patrick gestured.

"Should I really trust you?" Elise questioned, crossing her arms.

"Perhaps not, but you've already chosen to," he replied with a faint, self-satisfied smile. "Your presence here confirms that."

Biting her lip, Elise followed Patrick into the hospital, aware they were visiting his grandfather, Montgomery Stuart.

She had never encountered him before, and no media outlets carried his photograph.

She had assumed a terminally ill elderly man would pose little threat.

People often grew more compassionate when facing mortality.

Yet when Elise entered Montgomery's hospital room, she found a vibrant older gentleman who appeared no older than sixty, certainly not nearing eighty.

Instantly, numerous suspicions flooded her mind.

Had William been misinformed? Or perhaps...

Montgomery seemed to read her thoughts. He smiled cheerfully. "You expected me on my deathbed, Miss Scott?"

"The rumors suggested..."

"Which I intentionally circulated," Montgomery confessed. "Bait to lure in a significant target."

"I understand... But why reveal such a bold strategy to me? Aren't you concerned I might betray you?" Elise inquired.

In intellectual negotiations, transparency often proved more effective than deception.

"I trust Patrick's judgment," Montgomery stated, clearly holding his grandson in high regard.

"In that case, what role do you envision for me, since you've summoned me here today?" Elise pressed.

"Patience, Miss Scott—I'm not requesting anything from you," Montgomery clarified. "I brought you here to provide assurances. Once we achieve our objectives, you'll receive your rightful compensation."

"Thank you, Mr. Stuart," Elise expressed gratitude, though she felt no cause for celebration.

Ultimately, his assurance was only partially reassuring—the other half carried an implicit threat!