Amanda stood completely still, utterly shocked by William's commanding presence.

Her mind went blank for a moment, overwhelmed by his intensity.

Then, defiance took over completely.

She threw caution to the wind and began shouting without restraint.

"William Levine, do you really think Elise Scott is some kind of prize? You just came back to the country, so you don't know her history! She was sleeping around at eighteen and had a child out of wedlock! She wouldn't let go of my brother and now she's clinging to you! Don't fall for her schemes!"

Murmurs spread through the crowd instantly.

"That's Elise Scott? She moved on to Mr. Levine awfully fast."

"Someone said her dress cost a fortune. She's certainly investing in her conquests."

"Did you hear his son call her mommy? She's even bewitched the child."

"She's nothing but a temptress..."

Amanda smiled with satisfaction as the gossip swirled around Elise. She was determined to expose Elise for who she really was. She wanted William to see the truth.

She refused to believe William would accept Elise after learning everything. She would never allow Elise to have him.

But William's voice cut through the noise, cold and threatening. "She was set up when she was eighteen. Circumstances forced her to have that child. That was her misfortune, not her fault. She deserves compassion for her painful past, not malicious slander!"

"No!" Amanda cried out desperately. "Don't let her deceive you! She's a woman of loose morals—"

William interrupted her sharply. His words rang out clearly across the hall. "From this day forward, anyone who speaks against Elise Scott is my enemy! And I assure everyone here that I, William Levine, never show mercy to my enemies!"

The crowd gasped and fell silent immediately. People looked at each other nervously, genuinely afraid of William's retaliation.

"As for what happened between Elise and Samuel Mitchell..." William raised an eyebrow toward the Mitchell family. "Do I need to spell it out for you?"

Richard Mitchell startled for a moment before collecting himself quickly. "I apologize! I failed to control my daughter properly! She has offended you greatly! I'm taking her home right now. Please forgive our behavior!"

He grabbed Amanda's arm roughly, preparing to drag her away. Their dignity had completely evaporated.

"Wait," William's voice stopped them cold.

Richard froze immediately and turned back fearfully.

"My son mentioned she ruined Elise's dress."

"Oh, of course! I'll pay for the damages immediately. How much is it? I'll transfer the money right away..." Richard said anxiously.

"Dad! Samuel bought that dress for her!" Amanda protested angrily. Why should they keep paying Elise? It wasn't fair!

Richard glared at her furiously. "Be quiet!"

He looked like he wanted to strangle her right there.

"The money is only part of it," William stated calmly.

"May I ask what else you require, sir...?" Richard asked nervously.

"Shouldn't she apologize for her actions?" William said pointedly.

Richard immediately turned to Amanda. "Apologize to Elise right now!"

"Never!" Amanda declared stubbornly.

Her pride was too great. She had always considered herself superior to others. Bowing to Elise was unthinkable.

"Are you defying me, Amanda?!" Richard threatened through gritted teeth.

"But you said William liked me!" Amanda blurted out recklessly.

She regretted it instantly. If she had known how handsome William was, she would have accepted the match willingly.

Before Richard could respond, William clarified coldly, "I have no interest in Ms. Mitchell whatsoever."

Whispers of mockery immediately spread through the crowd.

Amanda had been boasting throughout high society about William's supposed admiration. Now she faced public humiliation directly from the source.

William's patience was clearly wearing thin. "Still refusing to apologize?"

Amanda pressed her lips together tightly as she turned toward Elise. Elise maintained her elegant composure perfectly.

A faint smile played on Elise's lips as she watched Amanda. The silent mockery was unmistakable.