?Chapter 265:


    Johnny reappeared from the restroom, barely able to contain his agitation. “Tommy, aren’t you dying to know the truth about what’s blowing up online right now?”


    A death in the mix was no trivial matter.


    Tommy frowned. “Obviously I want to know, but have you seen how much Marc’s had to drink? There’s no way he’s giving us straight answers tonight.”


    Johnny let out an exasperated sigh, raking his fingers through his hair. “And Ste—what’s her deal? Is she really with Shaun now? Last I checked, she was with William. Is she just bouncing between the two of them?”


    Tommy could only shrug, resigned. “Who knows, man. But when you go back to the table, don’t even mention Ste. Trust me, the two of them are really not a good match for each other.”


    Inside the VIP room,ughter and yful banter filled the air as Ste, Sharon, and Shaun passed the time with casual games.


    After a few rounds and more than a few drinks, a light buzz settled in Ste’s head. She blinked, slightly unsteady, and nced around—only to realize Sharon was nowhere to be seen.


    Noticing Ste’s unsettled nce, Shaun got up from the couch and approached her with a crooked smile. “You look a little out of it. Want me to take you home?”


    Ste gave a distracted nod. “Let me use the bathroom first,” she muttered.


    Inside, Ste cupped her hands under the icy tap and let the chill water sting her cheeks, forcing herself to breathe.


    A minute alone steadied her nerves, and when she finally stepped back out, the haze in her mind had lifted.


    Only then did she spot Sharon’s earlier text, letting her know she’d already taken off.


    Ste’s brow furrowed. Sharon never vanished without saying goodbye, especially not after a night like this. Something felt off. She tried calling, but Sharon’s phone went straight to voicemail.


    Your update hub: g?lησv?ls?c?m


    As Ste emerged from the hallway, her expression clouded with concern. Shaun caught the change in her mood and offered a calm reassurance. “She had a few sips at most. No way she was drunk.”


    A wave of relief washed over Ste as she slid into the car Shaun had arranged. The night air drifted in through the half-open window, cool against her cheeks, quietly sobering her up.


    Shaun settled into the back seat beside her, a faint smile ying at his lips. “Honestly, I never expected we’d cross paths again after I moved back,” he mused. “That encounter overseas was unforgettable. I thought it would be thest time I’d ever see you.”


    His words gave Ste pause. Overseas?


    .


    .


    .