From the very beginning, it was only Victoria who was truly in love with William—every terrible thing she had done was for his sake.

But did William feel any guilt about her current situation?

"I do, but not as much as you might expect," William confessed. "I can't pretend to overlook her repeated attempts to have you killed."

"But she's genuinely in love with you—"

"You matter more to me than anything," William stated firmly.

In other words, he was willing to endure anything Victoria directed at him, but he wouldn't allow her to harm Elise.

Elise's heart fluttered, and she felt deeply moved by William's protective nature.

William raised an eyebrow, his expression turning playful. "What, would you prefer I be kinder to her?"

Despite his current weakened state, he still carried himself with the authority of a powerful CEO.

Did he not realize his family's fortune was nearly depleted?

"No," Elise replied simply.

"Really?" he pressed.

Elise shrugged lightly. "I was just curious."

A smile touched William's lips. "You know, Elise? It makes me happy when you show this possessive side."

Elise thought to herself that there was definitely something unusual about him. Still, she didn't stay long at the detention center and soon departed.

Her mood darkened the moment she stepped outside. William only had twelve days remaining.

What would happen? Would he be exonerated and released?

The following twelve days weighed heavily on Elise, filled with stress and anxiety. Since it wasn't the weekend, she had to take James to school before heading to the courthouse.

"Mommy? Is something bothering you?" James asked, his young eyes studying her intently.

"What makes you say that?" Elise forced a cheerful smile.

"You gave me milk when I asked for yogurt," he explained. "And you brought out my winter uniform even though I told you we need spring uniforms for today's special event. You're usually talking and smiling during our drives, but today you're so quiet. What's wrong?"

James listed his observations clearly, leaving Elise scrambling for an explanation.

"I didn't sleep well last night," she admitted truthfully.

It was the honest truth—she had barely slept, leaving her exhausted today.

Naturally, she was also unusually tense because William's trial was happening today.

She hadn't told James about it, believing children shouldn't carry adult worries.

He deserved to remain carefree and innocent...

Yet James suddenly asked, "Is Daddy's trial today, Mommy?"

Elise was taken aback—trying to hide things from her perceptive son was clearly pointless.

But how had he found out?

James seemed to read her thoughts. "I read the news too, Mommy."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I just didn't want you to worry."

"I'm not worried, Mommy. Daddy is amazing—he'll be fine. You don't need to worry either."

Her son was comforting her instead.

Elise gently patted his head. "Alright, I won't worry then."

They arrived at James's school and got out of the car. She walked him to the front gates where he waved goodbye.

As she watched him disappear into the school, Elise's vision blurred with emotion. She wondered if they would be reunited with William after today.

Never before had she longed for a reunion so intensely.

Since having James, her desire for their family's happiness had grown exponentially.

'Don't let me down today, William Levine...'