Elise kept pushing William away, but her words were firm. "Don't worry, that doesn't apply to me."

William's grip remained tight around her, refusing to let go.

She clarified further, her voice steady. "You might be capable of it, though."

He froze at her words, realization dawning on him.

His hold loosened slightly as he stared into her eyes, searching for answers.

"It's exactly what you're thinking," she confirmed, slipping out of his embrace.

She moved quickly toward Patrick Montgomery, who was writhing in visible agony.

Blood seemed to be seeping from multiple places on his body, a horrifying sight.

Elise wondered if her eyes were deceiving her, but the metallic scent confirmed it.

She checked his nostrils, her fingers coming away stained crimson.

Up close, she saw his vacant stare and the blood trickling from his ears.

How much had the Stuarts drugged him? Were they trying to kill him outright?

It made sense now - the car crash was just their primary plan.

If that failed, ensuring she and Patrick had relations would destroy William's position.

The Stuarts were both vicious and cunning in their methods.

"What's happening to Mr. Montgomery?" The chauffeur's voice trembled with fear.

They had survived the crash, only to face this worse fate.

Had the impact caused internal bleeding?

While the chauffeur panicked, William assessed Patrick's condition calmly.

"He'll die here if he doesn't get what he needs," William stated flatly.

"Where are his people? Why aren't they here yet?" Elise demanded.

But Patrick's phone had been destroyed in the crash, leaving them stranded.

She turned to William, her expression grim. "What do we do now?"

They couldn't let Patrick die after everything they'd been through.

William noticed her thoughtful look and frowned. "What's that expression for?"

He'd rather die than be the solution to Patrick's problem.

Elise pressed her lips together, acknowledging his unspoken refusal.

Fortunately, there was another option.

She turned to the loyal chauffeur, who watched them anxiously.

"You'd do anything for Patrick, wouldn't you?" she asked.

"Without hesitation. I'd give my life for him," the chauffeur declared.

Patrick only kept fiercely loyal people in his inner circle.

"I don't need your life," Elise said. "But some sacrifices are necessary."

She leaned close, whispering her solution in the chauffeur's ear.

His eyes widened in shock and disbelief at her suggestion.

Elise shrugged, her expression serious. "It's that, or he probably won't survive the night. We have no idea when help will arrive."

The chauffeur hesitated, visibly torn by the decision.

Elise didn't wait for his agreement. "We're leaving now. The choice is yours."

In situations like this, sometimes you had to take extreme measures.

She stood up, ready to depart from the grim scene.

But exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she stumbled forward.

She had pushed herself far beyond her limits during the chaos.

If she hadn't maintained her composure earlier, she would have collapsed long ago.

William caught her before she fell, his arms strong around her.

This time, she didn't resist his support.

Leaning against his chest, she felt what might have been blood or simply his warmth.

William lifted her into his arms without a word.

He carried her away from the scene, leaving Patrick with his chauffeur.

Elise remained conscious but utterly drained, her eyelids heavy.

She would have preferred to walk on her own, but her body had other ideas.