?Chapter 24:


    This situation had spiraled out of control, and attempting to exin it now would only make things worse. That was the only thought pounding in Ste’s head.


    William turned just enough to nce at her, his face nk. His eyes lingered for a moment—sliding downward, deliberately slow—taking in her bold curves before he turned away and continued walking, not bothering to stop.


    Marc stepped out from the bend in the Light Story hallway just as a familiar voice reached his ears. He turned instinctively, drawn by the sound, and spotted a figure that seemed familiar yet somehow different. Narrowing his eyes, he took a step forward, intending to get a better look. But before he could move far, Haley came rushing out of the corridor and flung herself at him, clutching his arm tightly.


    “Marc, what are you staring at?”


    Marc’s jaw tightened slightly, irritation flickering in his eyes. “Nothing.”


    Ste trailed behind William, but he made no effort to acknowledge her presence. Frustrated and desperate, she moved ahead of him, blocking his path by spreading her arms wide.


    “Mr. Briggs, I meant every word I said. Please, just give it some thought.”


    William tilted his head and studied her, his gaze driftingzily across her frame. “You do make quite the impression. But throwing yourself at me in front of everyone? If I add you to the team now, won’t people assume I’m ying favorites?”


    Ste’s cheeks burned with embarrassment—he had misunderstood everything. A wave of frustration hit her, and the irritation showed clearly on her face.


    “It wasn’t what you think! That happened by mistake!”


    From where he stood, William couldn’t help but notice her curves. His throat moved as he swallowed hard and quickly looked away.


    “Ms. Russell, you’re very skilled at leaving a mark on a man. But I’m not fond of women who are too forward.”


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    William didn’t care to understand who Ste truly was. Yet, in just two encounters, she had left an impression on him that he couldn’t quite shake. One thing was certain—Ste Russell was a clever woman who knew how to attract a man.


    At those words, Ste’s hands curled into fists at her sides, her body rigid.


    When she finally spoke again, her voice had lost all warmth. “Mr. Briggs, I take pride in what I do. I’ve worked hard to get here—I’m not the kind of woman you’re trying to make me out to be.”


    Ste had given it her all, done everything expected of her, but no matter how much she tried, William’s assumptions about her refused to change.


    She exhaled slowly, steadying her breath as she fought to preserve her dignity. That, too, had value.


    “I won’t bother you again.” She turned and walked away without looking back.


    William’s eyes followed her retreating figure, narrowing faintly, before he turned and stepped back into the private lounge.


    The moment he re-entered, Lainey turned toward him. “Where’s Ste? Didn’t she leave with you?”


    They had exited almost at the same time—yet now Ste was nowhere to be seen.


    William shrugged off the question. “Not sure. Looks like she decided to go.”


    Lainey blinked, slightly puzzled, then leaned closer to speak in a low voice. “Mr. Briggs, Ste’s not just talented; she was once at the top of her field. If she hadn’t stepped back for family reasons, she’d be on par with you today. One of thepany’s most reliable core patents is still hers.”


    William shot her a dry look. “Really? I thought her specialties were tight dresses and hanging on to powerful men.”


    There was clear mockery in his tone, and Lainey quickly caught on to the misunderstanding.


    Lainey’s face turned solemn as she spoke hurriedly. “Mr. Briggs, Ste only wore those clothes because I insisted. She came dressed in a white shirt and jeans.”


    To prove it, she rummaged through her bag and pulled out the clothes, offering them for him to see.


    William’s thoughts drifted to the first time he saw Ste—dressed modestly, confident but understated. Compared to that version of her, the sultry dress had seemedpletely out of ce.


    And now he realized that the outfit hadn’t been Ste’s.


    Still, he couldn’t deny that she had looked stunning.


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