?Chapter 12:


    Startled, Kody rushed forward, steadying Ste before she could fall. “Mrs. Walsh, are you okay?”


    Marc blinked, surprised by how hard he had pushed her. Even with one arm wrapped protectively around Haley, a flicker of regret shed through his eyes. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but he hesitated and swallowed the words.


    Ste, having calmed herself, brushed off Kody’s supporting arm. Her eyes shifted to Marc, and in that quiet stare was a coldness sharper than any p—icy, detached, and distant, just like the way her heart now felt toward him.


    Marc winced beneath her frostbitten gaze but forced his voice steady. “Ste, enough with the drama. I’ve already told you, this isn’t what you think. Why do you keep putting Haley down? You even crossed the line with violence. This is a workce, you should leave.”


    Then he softened his tone as he faced Haley. “Ms. Smith, don’t take what she said personally. She didn’t mean it. I’m sorry on her behalf.”


    Haley’s anger melted into smug satisfaction as Marc defended her. She slid her arms around his neck, batting hershes. “For you, I’ll let it slide. But she better stay away from thepany. Tell her to get lost.”


    Marc’s face tightened at Haley’s harsh words. Turning back to Ste, concern shadowed his features. “Ste, this is thepany. Can we not make a scene? It won’t look good if this gets out.”


    But Ste stood tall, her posture firm and unwavering. She threw the two of them a cold, scornful nce, her voice steady and cutting. “Save the fake politeness. I’ll leave as soon as I’m done. But Marc, you’re truly disgusting.” Without another word, she spun on her heel and strode toward the legal department, leaving the pair locked in their own world behind her.


    Marc watched her retreating figure, and a strange knot tightened in his chest. Maybe he had been too rough earlier.


    Letting go of Haley, he massaged his temples wearily and asked Kody, “Where did she go?”


    Kody lowered his voice. “Legal department. And, um… Mr. Walsh, Mrs. Walsh hit herself harder than we thought.”


    Marc paused for a moment, pushing aside Haley’s continued protests as he moved quickly toward the legal department.


    In the quiet legal office, Ste sank into a leather armchair. “I’m done selling that patent. Now that the contract’s expired, our partnership is over.” The legal staff exchanged confused looks.


    This patent had been a cornerstone of their coboration—why was it suddenly being withdrawn?


    One of them finally spoke up, trying to keep their tone respectful. “Mrs. Walsh, is there a problem with the contract?”


    Ste shook her head firmly. “No issues with the contract. I’ve simply found a new buyer.”


    Marc walked in just in time to catch the tail end of Ste’s words. His brows drew together, his voice firm but not unkind.


    “Ste, if you’re upset, take it out on me. Yell at me, hit me—whatever you want. But don’t mess around with the patent. That’s serious business. Let’s talk about this at home, alright?”


    So that was it? He still thought she was being emotional? That she was just throwing a fit, and all it would take was a little coaxing to get her back in line?


    The thought almost made Steugh. Her expression didn’t change, but the coldness in her eyes deepened. “I’m not joking, Marc. The deal is off. I’m not renewing the contract. And if yourpany continues using my patent without permission, I’ll have mywyer file forpensation.”


    She picked up her bag with a calm, final motion, turned, and walked out without sparing him even a nce.


    “Ste!” Marc called after her, stepping forward, but someone from the legal team intercepted him.


    “Mr. Walsh, what’s going on?” the man asked in rm. “If she pulls the patent, we’re in trouble. We’ve got multiple active projects riding on that technology. This could hit our bottom line hard.”


    Marc’s face darkened. “I’ll handle it.”


    And with that, he rushed after Ste.


    She had to be acting out of anger. That had to be it. Ste wasn’t reckless—she wouldn’t tank thepany over a personal fight.


    If he could just talk to her, exin things properly, she’d understand. She always did.


    Meanwhile, Ste stepped into the elevator and called for a ride.


    When she reached the building’s entrance, a sleek ck car glided to a stop right before her.


    Without a second thought, she opened the passenger door and slid inside. It wasn’t until she’d settled in her seat that she noticed someone else already inside—sitting in the back, wearing a serious, unreadable expression. Their eyes met in the rearview mirror. The energy in the car shifted immediately.


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