?Chapter 267:


    Before she could untangle his meaning, William spoke again, his tone leaving no room for debate. “We’re going home.”


    He didn’t say your home—just the single word sent a jolt of suspicion through Shaun. What exactly was going on between Ste and William?


    Just before walking away, William cast a pointed look at Shaun and stated, “Thanks for making sure she got home safe.”


    Each measured word seemed to stake a im, drawing an invisible line around Ste that made Shaun bristle with unease. Still, Shaun stayed silent—he had no ce to speak, no right to interfere.


    Left alone in the car, Shaun watched through the window as William guided Ste toward the entrance, his expression unreadable.


    While waiting for the elevator, William nced down at Ste, who still looked dazed from the night’s events. “Who was that?” he asked, his voice low.


    Ste blinked, as if shaking off a dream. “What? Oh, you mean the guy who brought me home? He’s just a friend. I’m honestly grateful—he really helped me out tonight. I should find a way to thank him properly…”


    William’s gaze sharpened as he interjected, “A friend, huh? What kind of friend are we talking about?”


    Ste shot William a re, her patience wearing thin. “Why are you even asking? He’s just a friend, all right?”


    The relentless questions grated on her nerves—she wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed and shut out the spinning world. Her head swam, vision blurring at the edges.


    With a sulky little pout, her lips—soft and slightly parted, as if freshly kissed—trembled in the dim light.


    William’s jaw tightened, frustration darkening his gaze.


    “Ste, stop looking away and meet my eyes.”


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    She blinked up at him, disoriented. “What’s your problem?”


    His words cut through the fog, harsh and direct. “Is he your boyfriend?”


    A sharp crease formed between her brows. Why was he pressing her like this?


    And when did he get so close?


    A sharp wave of queasiness rolled through her.


    Helpless to push William away, she lost the battle against her stomach.


    “Ugh…”


    She bent over, retching messily onto his shirt.


    William’s expression clouded over, irritation flickering in his eyes as a vein pulsed at his temple. Without a word, he peeled off his jacket and tossed it straight into the trash bin outside, then quietly gathered Ste and took her back to her dorm.


    After tucking her in, he paused by her bedside, watching her slip in and out of consciousness.


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