?Chapter 233:


    Ste’s gaze lingered on Sandra. “That goes for Cecelia, too. Please, Sandra—don’t let it slip, not even to her.”


    Sandra hesitated for a moment, then caught the seriousness in Ste’s eyes and nodded. “I understand!”


    With that assurance, Ste turned her attention back to the tasks at hand. The promotion matter still hung over them, but their regr work couldn’t be ignored or put on hold.


    Besides, Ste had full confidence in William. If anyone could uncover the truth, it would be him.


    Later that night, Ste had just finished bathing when someone knocked at her door.


    She pulled it open and found William waiting outside, dressed in a set of ck loungewear.


    A file rested in his hands as he took in her cartoon pajamas, eyebrows lifting in mild surprise. So, this was how she dressed when no one else was around?


    thought twice about wearing them, but now that William had seen her in those cartoon pajamas, a quick flush of embarrassment crossed her face.


    “Did you need something?” She tried to draw his attention away from her clothes.


    “This is what you asked me to find.”


    Ste epted the yellow envelope, her heartbeat picking up.


    She wasted no time tearing it open. As her eyes scanned the pages, her mood shifted. A heavy seriousness settled over her features.


    She’d suspected those people from the start.


    “Now that you know the truth, what’s your next move?”


    With the proof in her hands, William leaned back, his hands casually tucked in his pockets.


    Ste said, “Let’s act like we’re still in the dark for now.”


    where stories grow


    William hadn’t expected that. He’d assumed she’d confront Allen and the others the moment she had solid proof.


    Ste continued, “If they’re so confident in their perfect little scheme, let them enjoy the spotlight a bit longer. The fall will hurt more that way.”


    The sharp glint in her eyes gave her n away. He knew exactly what she was thinking.


    He’d said it once, and he still believed it: Ste could be dangerously decisive when the situation called for it.


    Behind that gentle, almost naive exterior, she carried a cold edge that no one ever sawing.


    And that edge fascinated William.


    “I held up my end. Don’t forget you owe me.”


    “I haven’t forgotten,” she said with a nod. “So, what now? What do you want in return?”


    William gave a half-smile and lifted a shoulder. “Don’t know yet. I’ll let you know when I figure it out.”


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