?Chapter 219:


    What Haley hadn’t expected was William’spleteck of concern—and worse, his continued support of Ste.


    Haley said, “You’ve got the wrong idea, Mr. Briggs. I’m only looking out for you. I wouldn’t want you to be misled.”


    William let out a short, coldugh. “I think I’m perfectly capable of knowing whether Ms. Gilbert is being honest with me. I agreed to be here with her for a reason, and that reason includes trust.”


    Haley was left speechless. No matter what she implied or used Ste of, William remained unmoved.


    The realization frustrated her, leaving her bitter and deted.


    Elsewhere in the hall, Marc was mingling with guests.


    The turnout was impressive, but he hadn’t yet seen Haley.


    As he made his way through the crowd, taking in the sound of clinking sses and animated chatter, a quiet sense of pride rose within him.


    Though marrying Haley hadn’t been his ideal oue, the engagement secured the future of the Walsh Group, and he intended to manage things far more effectively from here on out. With Haley’s family backing him, his prospects were looking brighter than ever.


    Looking brighter than ever. More than anything, he wanted to prove himself, to show Ste what he could be, and make her question every choice she’d made. His gaze swept across the crowd, and just as he was about to call out to Haley, his eyesnded on Ste in a vivid red dress not far away.


    He stopped in his tracks,pletely stunned. How was she here?


    He had gone out of his way to keep the engagement under wraps—no announcements, no posts, nothing that could tip her off. And yet, she showed up anyway.


    Haley noticed him soon after and waved with a bright smile. “Marc,e here!”


    His legs felt heavy, almost disconnected from his body, as he slowly made his way toward her.


    Haley leaned in, still smiling. “I invited Ms. Gilbert to the party. I thought she’d be swamped with work and wouldn’t make it, but she was kind enough toe. Don’t you think we should send her off with a thoughtful gift?” Her eyes sparkled with quiet satisfaction.


    gα?ησν????s is where your journey begins


    Marc’s brow twitched. She knew he hadn’t wanted Ste here, and still, she’d gone behind his back to invite her.


    With so many eyes on them, Marc knew he couldn’t risk an outburst. He forced his frustration down and turned his attention to Ste. She looked breathtaking, perhaps even more so than she had on their wedding day.


    The red dress hugged her figure perfectly. Her makeup was wless, adding depth and definition to her already striking features. She looked like something rare and impossible to ignore.


    Marc’s lips parted as if to say something, but the moment he caught sight of William beside her, the words died in his throat. His chest tightened, a trace of envy flickering in his eyes.


    Just then, Haley gave his arm a gentle pull. “Marc, the ceremony’s about to start. We need to go upstairs and prepare.”


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