?Chapter 266:


    She sifted through her memories, brow furrowing. Had she ever met Shaun overseas?


    As far as she remembered, their first encounter had been at one of the parties she and Marc attended in Choria—not abroad.


    Was he confusing her with someone else?


    She turned to him, her tone gently puzzled. “I don’t remember meeting you abroad.”


    Shaun let out a low, easyugh. “Maybe I’m mixing things up,” he admitted, ncing out the window as the city lights blurred past.


    He exhaled quietly, the truth sinking in—she really didn’t remember.


    But the moment still lingered in his mind.


    Shaun could recall that first glimpse of Ste as if it had happened yesterday, the memory refusing to fade even after all these years.


    He never imagined that by the time their paths crossed again, she’d be married to Marc—Marc, of all people.


    Over the years, he’d quietly kept tabs on their marriage, watching from the sidelines as Ste slipped further from his reach.


    But everything had changed now.


    Marc, undeserving as ever, was finally out of the picture. Ste was no longer tied down, free atst to chase her own desires.


    Yet the way she looked through him now, cool and indifferent, made it painfully clear she’d forgotten whatever connection they once shared.


    The realization stung, but Shaun masked his disappointment with an easy smile. It didn’t matter. As long as he could stay close, there’d be plenty of chances to bridge the distance between them.


    The car rolled to a gentle stop outside the research institute. As Ste stepped out, she offered Shaun a quiet word of thanks, but her heel caught on the curb, and she wobbled, nearly losing her bnce.


    A steady hand caught her just in time.


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    Shaun’s hand hovered awkwardly, fingers curled mid-reach, as a new figure intercepted Ste.


    A shadow fell over Shaun’s face when he realized who it was.


    William’s grip caught Ste before she could stumble, his touch firm yet careful. The sharp tang of alcohol clung to her, and his gaze hardened. His brow knitted with disapproval as he pressed, “Have you been drinking?”


    Blinking through her daze, Ste met his eyes and stammered, “Mr. Briggs? Why are you here?”


    William’s gaze didn’t waver. “Why do you think I’m here?”


    She stared at him, utterly baffled. Did he expect her to read his mind?


    How on earth would she know?


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