?Chapter 203:


    Ste’s eyes narrowed at that. Her expression cooled instantly.


    “Neb doesn’t need anyone’s handouts,” she stated, her voice crisp. “We’re all here topete—let’s do it on equal footing. If we lose, we’ll ept it gracefully. Mr. Walsh, are you underestimating ourpany?”


    Marc faltered, caught off guard by her reaction, and quickly tried to rify, his voice tight with unease. “That’s not what I meant at all.”


    “If that’s not what you meant, then go ahead and present your proposal, Mr. Walsh,” Ste cut him off, determined to keep him from twisting thingster to make it seem like he’d handed her the project.


    A storm of conflicted feelings flickered across Marc’s face as he met her wary gaze, uncertain how things had turned so tense between them. Left with no choice, heunched into his own analysis of the project, doing his best to stayposed.


    Once Marc finished, the client rose from his seat with a polite nod. “I’ve heard both of your proposals and understand your perspectives. I’ll let you know the oue within three days. Thank you both foring.”


    It was standard practice—no winner would be named on the spot, sparing everyone any public embarrassment.


    As Ste and William prepared to leave, the client suddenly addressed William. “Mr. Briggs, could you stay a moment? There’s something I’d like to discuss privately.”


    Catching the hint, Ste gave William a brief nod and stepped out into the hall.


    While she waited, Marc appeared at her side.


    “Stel, why wouldn’t you ept what I was trying to do in there? I meant it—I really think you’re the best person for this.” Marc’s voice softened,ced with wounded confusion as he tried to bridge the gap between them.


    Ste leveled a steady look at him. “Mr. Walsh, whatever your reasons, let’s just do things by the book. That way, there’s no room for future misunderstandings.”


    Marc caught the chill in her tone. Disappointment flickered across his face. “So you really think I’d do something underhanded? Do you believe that little of me?”


    He wondered if she saw any of his actions as genuine, or if every gesture was doomed to be twisted into something malicious.


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    Ste’s gaze didn’t waver. “Frankly, it’s none of my concern what kind of person you are.”


    Her voice was clipped, her patience thinning by the second. If she hadn’t promised to wait for William, she’d have walked away without another word.


    Marc’s shoulders slumped, but he pressed on. “Stel, I mean it—I finally see where I went wrong. You proved today you don’t need anyone’s help. I was arrogant and selfish before…”


    She interjected, not bothering to hide her impatience. “Mr. Walsh, if you’re here to spill your heart, I’m not interested. Save your confessions for someone who cares.”


    Just then, a ck car glided to the curb. Behind the tinted window, Haley caught sight of Marc and Ste’s tense exchange at the entrance. Her expression darkened, lips pressed into a thin line as a hot surge of fury churned in her chest.


    So this was the so-called business meeting Marc had been talking about?


    No wonder he’d rushed to end their call earlier—he couldn’t wait to see Ste in person.


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