Elise and Patrick returned to the ballroom.

They moved directly toward the main entrance.

Elise had to admit, William's seemingly casual rubs had helped.

Her ankle felt significantly better than before.

The sharp pain from the sprain had dulled considerably.

She could walk much more comfortably now.

Patrick glanced at her, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

"I must say, Ms. Scott, I didn't expect you to be so... accommodating."

He was clearly referring to her yielding to William's insistence.

But Elise wasn't being accommodating.

She had simply made a decision to leave.

There was no point in dragging it out.

Before they could exit, a man materialized beside them.

He addressed Patrick with utmost respect.

"Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Charles Stuart requests your presence immediately. Would you accompany me, please?"

Patrick's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of his grandfather's brother.

He turned to Elise, his expression unreadable.

"I can manage on my own," she stated flatly.

"Please arrange for a car to take me to the airport."

Patrick hesitated for a brief moment.

"Very well," he conceded.

He wasn't one to delay when there was nothing to gain.

Elise understood that perfectly.

Their partnership was purely transactional.

Emotional attachments had no place in it.

"I'll have my driver meet you at the entrance," Patrick informed her.

"Safe travels."

"Thank you," Elise replied.

Patrick made a quick phone call as he departed with the messenger.

Elise continued toward the exit alone.

But the moment she stepped outside, the guards blocked her path.

"Apologies, ma'am. No departures are permitted before the ball concludes."

Elise's eyes narrowed dangerously.

She had never heard of such a rule.

What kind of event restricted guests from leaving?

Even for the powerful Stuarts, this was excessive.

"Please return to the ballroom. Departure will be permitted at the designated time."

"On what grounds?" Elise demanded, her voice cold.

"Sensitive information is being disclosed tonight. Premature departures risk leaks. It's a security protocol."

The guard's response was rehearsed and formal.

Whether it was true or not, Elise knew she was trapped.

She wouldn't be leaving until Patrick's business was concluded.

She retreated to the ballroom, seeking a quiet corner.

The charity event had transitioned into the auction segment.

She pulled out her phone and texted Patrick.

[Guards won't let me leave.]

His reply came ten minutes later.

[Wait for me. I'll be there shortly.]

Elise settled into her secluded spot, waiting impassively.

Her gaze drifted toward the auction stage out of boredom.

They were presenting a ruby ring now.

The auctioneer described it elaborately.

A relic from a medieval noble family, he claimed.

One of a kind, incredibly rare.

The bidding commenced immediately.

It was fierce and competitive.

"Four hundred thousand!" a voice shouted, paddle raised.

"Five hundred."

"Five fifty."

"Six hundred."

"Seven hundred."

"Eight hundred."

The bids climbed rapidly for the ruby ring.

But Elise felt utterly disconnected from the spectacle.

She remembered bidding on a diamond necklace once.

Her mother had mentioned liking it in passing.

Elise had seized the chance to acquire it.

It had remained in her closet ever since.

She never wore it.

"One million!"

A familiar voice cut through the crowd's murmurs.