?Chapter 21:


    Haley froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Wait… What did you just say?” Had she misunderstood him?


    Marc’s mouth curved into a familiar smile, but his eyes were cold and unyielding. “Ste is my wife—and always will be. I’ve told you before, what’s between us is just a fling. Isn’t this kind of thing normal where you’re from? You didn’t really think it meant something… did you?”


    To Marc, the position of a wife belonged solely to Ste. Haley, on the other hand, was simply someone to pass the time with—nothing more, nothing less. He didn’t mind keeping her close, as long as she knew her ce.


    For a moment, Haley just stared at him, trying to process what he’d said. What was that supposed to mean?


    Marc’s recent attention had made her believe he was starting to fall for her. But now he was iming that she’d misinterpreted everything?


    Did that worthless woman mean more to him than she did?


    Haley stiffened, her smile fading. “Marc, what are you even talking about right now?”


    “Exactly what it sounds like,” Marc replied, his tone t. “If you don’t like how things are, you’re free to walk away.” A shadow flickered in his eyes. He couldn’t afford to offend the Smith family, but no matter the cost, he’d never rece Ste.


    Haley felt a sharp sting in her chest as she watched the finality in his face. He wasn’t joking after all.


    Still, she wasn’t someone who gave up easily. If she wanted something, she chased it until it was hers. Marc only clung to Ste because they hadn’t spent real time together yet. But once they did, he’d see that he belonged with her.


    With that thought anchoring her, Haley straightened up and forced a lightugh. “Come on, I was just messing around. I got carried away—don’t be mad. For you, I’ll let it slide. I won’t pick on her anymore. But… you owe me for that.”


    Marc watched her, his expression unreadable. “Fine. Whatever you ask for, I’ll grant it. Just keep your promise—leave Ste alone.”


    After leaving Marc’s office, Ste didn’t head back to the research institute. With only five days left until the project kicked off, she had to get everything in order before then.


    Find your adventure at gα?ησν????s??оm (uso de “?” y “о” cirílica)


    Ste returned to the vi and copsed onto the couch, massaging her tired eyes.


    Her phone began to ring. Without checking the screen, she answered and held it to her ear. “Hello?”


    “Ste, there’s a party tonight. I managed to snag an invite. You should get dressed ande with me.”


    Ste blinked slowly, still not quite processing. “Lainey, I’m really wiped out. I don’t think I’ve got the energy for a party tonight.”


    “William’s attending,” Lainey added casually. “It’s his friend’s event. Weren’t you hoping for a chance to talk to him in private?”


    That snapped her out of her haze. Ste bolted upright. “Wait—William’s going to be there?”


    “Yep! And since I’m on the guest list, I can bring you. A rxed setting like that is perfect for getting closer to him.”


    Lainey had clearly misunderstood her intentions again, but Ste didn’t bother correcting her this time. “Alright, I’ll be there. Just send me the details.”


    As soon as the call ended, Ste raced upstairs to get ready.


    By the time she came back down, her phone buzzed with a new message. Expecting it to be from Lainey, she tapped on it, only to realize it was from Haley instead.


    Ste scowled as she stared at the one-minute voice note. Her thumb hesitated for a moment before finally pressing y.


    Almost immediately, a sultry voice spilled from the speaker, sending a chill down her spine. “Oh, Marc, you’re incredible… God…”


    .


    .


    .