?Chapter 289:


    He had always stood on the wrong side of every line she’d drawn.


    At that moment, William approached with unhurried confidence, his presencemanding the room.


    “Don’t waste your breath on people like him. You’re only giving him more than he deserves,” William remarked firmly.


    Without ncing back at Marc or Doreen, Ste redirected her attention, scanning the crowd for Celine.


    The business deal hadn’t been entirely smooth, but in the end, Celine agreed to coborate with Neb, sealing their partnership with a firm handshake.


    With the contract settled and nothing left to keep them there, William gently ced his hand at the small of Ste’s back. Together, they slipped out of the banquet hall.


    Doreen lingered for a moment, watching William lead Ste away with gentle, attentive care. She inhaled slowly, her shoulders sagging as a trace of self-pity colored her words.


    “Mr. Walsh, I really ruined things, didn’t I? Thank you for defending me, but I can’tpare to someone like Ste. She’s brilliant—she even developed her own patents. I’m just… ordinary. My grades aren’t great, and honestly, she was just telling the truth.”


    Marc’s mind reyed Ste’s harsh words, leaving him hollow and unable to muster anyfort for Doreen. He simply turned away, silent, a heaviness settling over him.


    Noticing his dejected expression, Doreen hesitated, then spoke with quiet insight. “Mr. Walsh… you’re still in love with her, aren’t you? That’s why it hurt so much to see her with someone else.”


    She stepped a little closer, offering a gentle, supportive smile. “But I think she’s misunderstood you. Don’t give up on yourself, okay? You can win her back. And if you ever need someone in your corner, I’ll help you.”


    A sh of genuine surprise crossed Marc’s face; he hadn’t expected Doreen to offer her help so willingly.


    His voice edged with disbelief, Marc asked, “Why would you want to help me?” They’d barely known each other three days, and their first meeting had been less than pleasant.


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    Anyone else in her position would have kept their distance.


    But Doreen smiled up at him, her sincerity shining through. “It’s easy. You were good to me. The first time we met, you gave me a diamond ring. I think that says a lot about the kind of person you are.”


    Her earnest words churned up a mess of emotions inside Marc. The ring she cherished was nothing more than a castoff—Ste had rejected it, and in a fit of anger, he’d tossed it aside.


    Doreen, so guileless and pure, couldn’t have known the truth. She saw kindness where there was only the echo of an old wound.


    He lowered his gaze, lips pressed in a hard line, studying Doreen’s hopeful expression.


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