Elizabeth paused, her gaze shifting between Soren and Elijah. Finally turning to Elijah, she spoke with a steady, sharp voice. "Mr. James, kindly remember where you are and act accordingly."

Once, her gaze had been a canvas of warmth and affection, painting vivid strokes of unspoken love. Now, winter had settled in her eyes—cold, barren, and unyielding, leaving no trace of the man she once cherished.

Elijah froze, feeling something precious slip through his fingers, lost to time. Elizabeth gently freed her hand from his grasp and, without looking back, strode away with Soren. Her steps were resolute, her decision clear.

Sophia approached Elijah, her exasperation evident. "He's compromised the Norris family's reputation for Elizabeth's sake, and you still doubt there's something between them? Do you need to catch them in a compromising position to be convinced? My patience is at an end," she scolded.

Elijah remained silent, his gaze fixed on the empty doorway. A single, haunting question echoed in his mind: Was there truly something between Elizabeth and Soren?

Seeing his unresponsive demeanor, Sophia huffed in frustration and turned to Kailee. "Kailee, come home with me," she declared.

Kailee reluctantly acquiesced, casting a final, hesitant glance at the dispersing crowd before following Sophia.

The party was winding down; Albin's appearance seemed increasingly unlikely. Just outside the hotel, Elizabeth and Soren emerged as their driver pulled up.