?Chapter 98:


    “What a coincidence, Mr. Briggs. What brings you driving out of the Vance family’s garage?” Ste asked, her voice calm butced with surprise.


    She had worked so hard to help him secure that deal, only to find out he’d been at the banquet the whole time. Was he meeting with Saul behind her back?


    Did he not trust her to handle it?


    A strange sense of being sidelined crept over her, like she’d been underestimated.


    William nced at her, his tone easygoing. “If I hadn’t shown up today, do you really think you could’ve walked out of that party without trouble?”


    He looked pointedly at her. “Haley and Beatrice may not have the power they used to, but they’re still capable of stirring the pot. With their background, causing chaos for you wouldn’t be hard.”


    Ste blinked, caught off guard. “So… you were the one who sent the butler to help me? And… Mr. Vance agreeing to work with me—was that because of you too?”


    Thatst part came out softer, more hesitant.


    William’s expression shifted, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. “Are you doubting yourself?”


    Sure, Saul was an old friend, but that didn’t mean he made business decisions based on friendship.


    If it hadn’t been for Ste’s solid proposal and technical edge, Saul wouldn’t have been impressed.


    She wasn’t some charity case. Just being associated with William wasn’t enough to swing deals like that.


    Ste rushed to correct herself. “I mean, of course not. I just thought…”


    “Thought what?” William cut in, raising an eyebrow.


    She paused, embarrassed. He had gone out of his way to support her, and here she was questioning his motives—again.


    Your favorite stories are on g?lnσνe??s?c?m


    It kind of made her look like a jerk.


    Her voice dropped to an embarrassed whisper.


    “I just thought… well, I was that good, you know? Knew I’d make it for sure. Haha…”


    William gave her a long, unreadable look. Then, casually, as if talking about the weather, he dropped the real news. “The earlier negotiation with Steven, and today’s deal with Saul—both were tests. You passed. So now, I’m handing Neb over to you.”


    Ste stared at him, her expression one of disbelief. “You’re giving Neb to me?”


    She had only been at Briggs Group for what—less than a month? Neb was still a startup, but it had serious potential. Every project under its name was solid, and feedback from partners had been glowing. And now, he was handing it to her?


    “Why?” she asked, still stunned.


    First, a ck card, now apany? He was being far too generous.


    William slid into the seat beside her, studying her with quiet intensity. “You always question things. But when you do—what kind of answer are you hoping to hear? What would finally calm that restless little mind of yours?”


    Ste froze. She stared at him, mouth slightly open, her heart pounding in her chest. What was she hoping to hear?


    The air between them shifted.


    The next second, William straightened, checked his phone, and said tly, “But if you’re not confident, forget it. Pretend I never mentioned it.”


    “Wait, wait—who said I wouldn’t take it?” Ste blurted, sitting up straight. “Why are you so quick to take it back, Mr. Briggs?”


    “Some things are better settled fast,” he replied, barely moving his lips, his tone unusually soft.


    Ste muttered three simple words. “I want it.”


    He looked right at her, his gaze intense and unwavering.


    Ste’s cheeks flushed instantly. The car suddenly felt much too warm.


    Flustered, she reached for the window switch, trying to breathe, when the car hit a small bump. She lost her bnce and fell forward—right onto William’s chest.


    She blinked, surprised by how solid he felt. The man was built like a rock.


    He said nothing, just looked down at her sprawled across him, his expression unreadable. “Old trick,” he muttered dryly.


    It seemed she had a knack for finding ways to fall into him.


    Embarrassed, Ste coughed awkwardly and tried to push herself up—but instead of finding solid ground, her handnded squarely on his thigh.


    Her palm slipped, and she fell again. This time, thending spot was… awkward. William’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he let out a small grunt of pain, his jaw tightening.


    Ste turned crimson. She knew exactly where she’dnded.


    Mortified, she scrambled off him, ttening herself against the car door like a guilty cat. “I—I’m so sorry, Mr. Briggs! I didn’t mean to—really, I didn’t!”


    She sounded like she was reciting a formal apology, and William still hadn’t said a word.


    His silence only made it worse. She didn’t dare look at him, her gaze fixed firmly ahead until the car finally rolled to a stop outside her vi.


    She practically jumped out of the car. “Thank you, Mr. Briggs. And sorry again. Have a good night!” Three polite phrases, all in one breath.


    She turned and started walking, but then—click—she heard another door shut behind her. Confused, she turned. William had gotten out too.


    “Um… Mr. Briggs, you really don’t need to walk me in…” Ste unlocked the door with her fingerprint, but before she could finish her sentence, William slipped inside, right behind her.


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