?Chapter 255:


    Ste didn’t flinch at her reaction. “No one’s forcing you. But if you say no, you can enjoy your stay here a little longer. Two more weeks in that cell. You’ll survive.”


    Haley’s chest tightened. She couldn’tst another night, let alone days. Jaw clenched, she snapped, “Is this really necessary? You just want to humiliate me! You’re cruel!”


    “Cruel?” Ste’s tone stayed even. “You should be thest person throwing that word around. You don’t get to negotiate anymore. Do it, or don’t. Simple as that.”


    The faint curve of Ste’s lips felt more like a p than a smile. It burned Haley up inside.


    She hated the idea of apologizing. But if she refused, she’d go to jail. Beatrice’s warning echoed in her mind: someone powerful was intentionally holding up her release. And who else could it be but Ste?


    Cornered and furious, Haley finally muttered, “Fine. I’ll do it.”


    True to her word, Ste didn’t drag it out. As soon as Haley’s apology went live, Ste retracted thewsuit.


    That same day, Haley walked out of the holding cell.


    The moment she stepped outside the police station, it felt like ages had passed since shest breathed fresh air without restrictions.


    She shuffled along the street, head down, feeling grimy and out of ce.


    Her hair stuck in clumps, and her clothes clung to her like shame. People stared—judging, sneering—and every nce sent another stab of humiliation straight through her.


    Ste. Everything pointed back to Ste.


    Haley stood at the intersection, staring at the shifting traffic lights, her eyes zing with fury.


    She wouldn’t let Ste walk away from this. Not after today. The humiliation she’d endured woulde back to haunt Ste, ten times over, if not more.


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    When the signal finally turned green, Haley stormed off, rummaging through her bag until she found a portable charger. Her phone had been dead for days. She plugged it in and waited just long enough before pulling up her contacts, scrolling until she reached Marc’s name.


    Her finger lingered over the screen, hesitating for a beat. Then she pulled back, choosing not to make the call.


    He hadn’t visited. Not once. Maybe he had more important things to do. Reaching out now wouldn’t help her case. But showing up in person might help.


    Resolved, she shoved the phone into her bag, hailed the first taxi she saw, and gave the driver one destination: the Walsh Group.


    Later that evening, William found out Ste had visited Haley at the station. He and Rita made their way to Ste’s ce soon after.


    Inside, Ste had alreadyid out three simple dishes and a pot of soup. She sat across from William, eating quietly.


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