In the end, they remained nothing more than passing strangers.

"I'll impose an immediate media blackout. Send me your bank details—I'll transfer whatever funds you're lacking," William eventually offered, his tone carefully neutral, revealing nothing of his inner turmoil. "My crisis management team is currently overseas, but I'll have them flown to Crestwood by morning. Clear your schedule—I'll arrange a meeting."

Elise pressed her lips together.

She didn't actually want anyone's help right now—not after everything she'd endured.

When she was just eighteen, she'd faced public humiliation and mockery.

No one had defended her then. Her own father had considered her such a disgrace that he shipped her abroad to protect his reputation.

This situation felt hauntingly familiar. Everyone was scrambling to distance themselves from her...

Everyone except William and Elizabeth.

Confusion flickered in Elise's eyes as she struggled to define her relationship with William now.

Still, she maintained, "I appreciate it, but I can handle this myself."

"Do you not trust me?" William's voice turned icy, each word weighted with intensity.

Elise's heart stuttered, but she bit her lip and replied, "No, I don't."

Since nothing meaningful could develop between them, she saw no point in fostering false hope.

On the other end, William's knuckles whitened around his phone.

Samuel Wilson stood nearby, acutely aware of the volcanic temper simmering beneath William's calm exterior.

"I've learned to rely only on myself," Elise continued, her voice firm with resolve. "I appreciate your offer, Mr. Levine, but I'll manage this crisis alone. I don't want you entangled in unnecessary complications because of me."

As William's expression darkened, she added, "I have a meeting to attend. Goodbye."

The call ended abruptly.

William stared at the blank screen, his face darker than the display.

Samuel wished he could vanish into the floorboards. Elise had thoroughly rejected William's generous offer.

The moment the scandal broke, William had sprung into action. He'd contacted every media outlet, calling in favors and applying pressure until they removed all articles about Elise.

He hadn't stopped there. He'd immediately summoned his elite PR team from abroad, demanding they arrive in Crestwood by morning with a comprehensive crisis management plan.

Then he'd called Elizabeth, instructing her and her management company to publicly support Elise without conditions. Samuel had to admit—the demands William made were almost inhumanly strict.

Finally, he'd checked his liquid assets before calling Elise.

He'd even composed himself before dialing, worried his tone might upset her. The tension had been palpable—he'd nearly snapped his expensive fountain pen in half.

And yet... all he received was cold rejection.

His heart must have shattered into a thousand pieces.

"Sir," Samuel ventured cautiously, "perhaps Mrs. Levine genuinely believes she can resolve this herself? That might explain why she declined your help."

William glanced at him, and Samuel continued, "She's always been remarkably capable and logical. She'd never gamble with Stellar Group—it's her mother's only legacy. You shouldn't take her refusal personally."