Oliver gave a curt nod. "I remember him. What of it?"

Yara's smirk widened, her tone laced with quiet triumph. "He's still obsessed with Elizabeth. Why not use him to our advantage?"

Nate Crawford, the sole heir to the Crawford family fortune, had once been Oliver's choice for Elizabeth's husband. Even after her marriage to Elijah, Nate's obsession had intensified, fueled by longing and envy. A divorce would leave Elizabeth vulnerable, jeopardizing the crucial protection Elijah provided. Yara had learned this at a private party where a drunk and reckless Nate revealed his feelings.

"Think about it," Yara pressed, her voice low and persuasive. "If we subtly encourage him toward Elizabeth, it could restore our family's standing with the Crawfords. Those promises they made? They're still on the table. And right now, we desperately need their connections."

Oliver sighed heavily, doubt clouding his face. "Elizabeth would never agree. She rejected Nate outright, leading her to Elijah. The last time I mentioned the Crawfords, she blocked my number. Besides, no man would risk his reputation by approaching her while she's married to Elijah. It would be social suicide."

Elizabeth's fiery rejection of his interference still stung, a memory he wasn't eager to revisit. But Yara remained undeterred.

"Everyone has a weakness, Dad. You just need to find it. Even the strongest will crumble if you press the right button." Her words hung heavy in the air, only to be cut short by a new voice.

A woman, elegant and wealthy, stepped forward. Her eyes, cold as winter glass, gleamed with calculation. It was Sophia Green, Oliver's second wife, fresh from a boutique. A sardonic smile played on her lips as she joined the conversation.

"If Nate Crawford wants Elizabeth, what does it matter to us? In fact, it might be precisely what we need."