?Chapter 296:


    His fingers tapped slowly against the desk. “Send me the address.” Click. He hung up before Steven could say anything else.


    Steven chuckled, pocketing his phone with a smirk. He knew that would get him moving.


    Sure enough, it took barely ten minutes for William to show up at the restaurant.


    He didn’t waste time. “Where is she?” he asked in a low tone.


    Steven casually pointed toward the private room across the hall, his face smug.


    William didn’t reply. He just walked.


    Inside, Ste was halfway through a toast, her smile fixed in ce. She nced at the clock and thought, “When is this going to end?” Then the door swung open.


    A familiar voice cut through the buzz. “Well, this is a surprise. I didn’t realize Ms. Gilbert was such a crowd favorite.”


    Ste turned, already recognizing the tone before she saw the man behind it. William stood in the doorway, dressed in a crisp ck suit, the very picture of restraint.


    Except his eyes—his gaze on her was sharp, unreadable.


    “Mr. Briggs,” Ste said, her smile tight as her brows pulled together slightly. “What a surprise. I didn’t think you had the time to drop by.”


    William leaned casually against the doorframe, his gaze steady. “Indeed. Total coincidence. If I hadn’te for dinner tonight, I’d never have guessed you enjoy ying such childish games, Ms. Gilbert.”


    Ste’s eyes narrowed. “If it bothers you so much, that’s your problem. I don’t recall sending you an invitation.” Typical. He never missed a chance to throw shade.


    William walked further in, stopping just beside her. The cool air from outside still clung to his coat, brushing against her skin as he leaned down slightly. “Well then,” he said, voice quiet butced with challenge, “since you’re clearly in the mood for games tonight, why don’t you y one with me? Let’s see who wins. And who walks away.”


    William settled into his seat across from Ste, exuding effortless confidence as he met her gaze. His lips curled into a faint, expectant smile. “What game were you ying just now?”


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    His deep, maic presence left little room for refusal, drawing everyone’s attention.


    Seizing her chance to join in, Reba—who’d been on the sidelines until now—chimed in brightly, “We were ying poker.”


    William arched an eyebrow, a yful glint in his eye. “In that case, let’s get started.”


    William’s and Ste’s eyes locked, the air crackling with unspoken rivalry. A ripple of anticipation spread through the crowd, everyone silently rooting for their chosen contender.


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