?Chapter 111:


    He’d never seen her like this before. Not when they were married. Not once. Back then, she was always modest. But this woman? Radiant, confident, sexy as hell? This was a version of Ste he had never met.


    Ste had nned to turn and leave. She didn’t want to spare a nce at either of them—Marc or Haley. As far as she was concerned, they didn’t exist.


    But Haley wasn’t going to let that happen.


    The moment sheid eyes on Ste—and that dress—something in her twisted with jealousy.


    She clutched hermbskin purse tight enough to wrinkle the leather, eyes scanning Ste from head to toe. Her voice came low and snide. “Marc, I never realized Ms. Russell had such a bold side. Is she dressed like that to meet William? Funny, she never wore anything like that for you.”


    The words hit Marc like a p.


    His jaw clenched. His mind shed with the image of Ste—his Ste—dressed like that, walking into William’s arms. His anger bubbled over.


    He stormed out of the elevator and stood directly in Ste’s path, eyes narrowed, voice cold. “This is what you meant when you said you weren’t getting cozy with another man? You dress like this for him? What’d he give you—money? Gifts? Is that what it takes now?”


    He didn’t even wait for her response before turning to Haley and adding, “You’re better than this, Haley. At least you’re not chasing men for handouts.”


    Haley jumped on the opportunity, her tone dripping with condescension. “Clearly someone was raised without any manners. I suppose when you grow up without proper values, you end up selling yourself short.”


    Ste let out a sharp, mockingugh. “Oh? Wasn’t the pst time loud enough for you to learn some respect?”


    She stepped closer, eyes glittering like polished steel. Her red dress clung to her frame, entuating every graceful line of her figure. She looked stunning—and deadly.


    “You want to talk about money?” she said coolly. “Marc, you’re broke. Living off a woman. Can’t even afford your own patent fees. So now you’re upset because someone else treats me well? Buys me clothes? If it bothers you so much, why don’t you buy something for Haley?” She tilted her head, feigning curiosity. “Or is it that she’s not worth it—or just too proud to ept your handouts?”


    Your journey begins on g?lnσνe??s


    Her words hit like daggers. Marc froze. Haley gaped. Ste didn’t wait for a reply. She turned and walked away with confidence—back straight, heels sharp against the floor, every step dripping with poise. Marc watched her disappear, something hollow expanding in his chest. It hit him then. Ste really didn’t care about him anymore. Not even a little.


    Haley stood frozen beside him, fuming.


    Her fists clenched at her sides.


    Why? Why was he still looking after Ste like that?


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