?Chapter 168:


    It wasughable at this point.


    She continued, “If you insist I’m Ste Russell, go ahead and prove it. Bring legal documents. Otherwise, stop wasting my time with this nonsense.”


    Marc’s chest tightened when she pulled away from him so decisively. This level of helplessness was new to him—he’d never felt so powerless.


    The hope and excitement he’de over with drainedpletely from his face, and he looked like all the air had been sucked out of him.


    When he looked up and saw Ste staring back at him with a cold, emotionless gaze, it felt like being stabbed over and over, each second more painful than thest.


    “Stel, please don’t be like this. You know you’re the one I’ve always loved the most. We’ve shared so many years together. Can’t you show me just a little kindness?”


    Rita stood beside them, quietly observing Marc’s sudden shift in tone.


    Just moments ago, he had been cold and arrogant, and now he was practically begging. The contrast was so sharp it made her wonder if he was mentally unstable.


    Ste, however, didn’t even blink. Her face was calm, emotionless,pletely untouched by Marc’s pleading.


    Without sparing him another nce, she turned to Rita and said, “Let’s go.”


    She didn’t hesitate. With steady steps, she walked right past Marc and Jazlyn, who were blocking the way. Neither of them dared to stop her. Meanwhile, Marc stood frozen, watching her retreating figure. His shoulders slumped slightly, and a long sigh slipped from his lips. Then, without a word, he turned away and left through the opposite end of the alley. His eyes, once full of fire, were now dull and filled with quiet despair.


    And Jazlyn was burning with rage. She had shown up expecting to stir trouble or at leaste out with something, but Ste had humiliated her and walked off like she didn’t even exist. With Ste refusing to even recognize who she was, how were they supposed to get any money out of this?


    Just as Ste and Rita reached the entrance of the alley, someone called out to them again.


    “Ste, wait right there!”


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    Ste let out a tired sigh, her patience thinning. Was this never going to stop?


    Haley came to the shop craving some dessert. She hadn’t expected to bump into Ste. The memory of theirst encounter hit her hard, and her face tightened with a frown. She still couldn’t believe Ste had slipped away without a scratch. But that luck wouldn’tst.


    “Ste, I’m talking to you! Did you hear me? Stop right there!”


    Ste turned around. Haley was marching toward her, eyes sharp with contempt. She caught sight of the bag Ste held and let out a sharp, mockingugh.


    “Ste, you’re unbelievable. Spending money like water, huh? Must feel good blowing someone else’s cash. This shop isn’t cheap, is it? I bet you were seeing another guy while you were still with Marc, weren’t you? You’ve got no shame, yet you still have the guts to act all proud in front of us. It’s like being fake and still wanting to look like a saint.”


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