?Chapter 264:


    No one in their right mind would take a fickle yboy at face value, and Ste certainly wouldn’t.


    She saw exactly what Shaun was doing: provoking Marc just to watch him squirm.


    Yet the more Marc bristled at Shaun, the more Ste found herself siding with Shaun, if only out of mischief.


    ncing at Marc with a sly glint in her eye, Ste smiled sweetly and remarked, “Well, if you and I click, Mr. Smith, why shouldn’t we give it a try?”


    Marc’s hands shook with barely contained rage. If not for the crowd, he might’ve caused a scene right then and there.


    First William, now Shaun—how many men was Ste nning to cozy up to?


    Did she think he was some kind of joke?


    His voice cracked through the noise. “Ste, you’re not going anywhere with him!”


    Shaun arched a brow, rubbing his ear in feigned annoyance. “Mr. Walsh, maybe try an indoor voice next time.”


    He tossed Ste and Sharon a sly grin. “Let’s head upstairs. It’s a lot quieter up there—and we won’t have to worry about anyone listening in.”


    The three of them slipped away, theirughter echoing down the hall, while Marc was left simmering, fists clenched and jaw tight.


    Ste paused just inside the private room, ncing over her shoulder at Shaun. “Thanks for stepping in earlier,” she said, her voice even.


    A slow grin spread across Shaun’s face as he studied her, his amber eyes glinting with mischief. “I wasn’t just trying to rile him up, you know. Honestly, you’ve caught my interest.”


    Ste stared at him, caught off guard by his candid admission.


    Was he actually being serious, or just spouting nonsense?


    Narrowing her eyes, she stated, “I don’t find those kinds of jokes amusing.”


    Shaun onlyughed, a low, careless sound. “Come on, Ste. Lighten up. You really couldn’t tell I was joking?”


    His rxed tone finally put her at ease, and she exhaled, the tension in her shoulders fading.


    Shaun shed a half-smile. “If you really want to show your gratitude, why not keep mepany for a few drinks? I’m drinking alone over here—kind of tragic, right?”


    Ste almost turned him down, but the memory of Shaun stepping in on her behalf softened her stance. Having a drink together felt harmless enough.


    Sharon gave Shaun a yful nce, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Fine, drinks are on me tonight. Consider it payback for having Ste’s back earlier!”


    Downstairs, Marc slouched in his chair, his gaze flickering toward the upstairs private room. Frustration etched deep lines across his face.


    .


    .


    .