?Chapter 314:


    Tonight was the perfect chance to show off Yusip Twasto’s designs and maybe give the brand some buzz in the country.


    William met Ste’s gaze, caught off guard by the lively spark in her eyes, and decided against pressing her any further.


    When they emerged half an hourter, Ste appeared in a champagne mermaid gown that hugged her figure with quiet elegance. Draped around her neck was a delicate ne—its crystalline links shimmering against her skin, with a scattering of luminous pearls resting just at her corbone. Below them, a striking sapphire, haloed by mother-of-pearl, seemed to glow with an oceanic depth that drew the eye.


    The jewel’s cool radiance yed against Ste’s smooth skin, casting her in an ethereal light.


    William stood transfixed, momentarily at a loss for words.


    “Ready to go?” Ste inquired, ncing at him in mild confusion as he lingered in the doorway.


    He cleared his throat and quickly looked away. “Yeah. Let’s head out.”


    As soon as they entered the banquet hall, the low hum of conversation was pierced by someone calling William’s name from across the room.


    Making their way toward the sound, Ste spotted Steven among the guests, standing beside a broad-shouldered man in a navy suit. If her guess was correct, this must be Anson.


    “William! It’s been ages. Still the center of attention, I see,” Anson teased, pping William’s shoulder before ncing at Ste with thinly veiled curiosity. He studied her for a moment. “And you are…?”


    William gave a polished introduction. “Sylvia Gilbert, Neb’s new CEO. She’s one of my team.”


    Steven couldn’t help rolling his eyes at William’s overly formal tone.


    Ste offered Anson a firm handshake. “It’s a pleasure, Mr. Mitchell.”


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    Anson’s gold-rimmed sses caught the light as he returned her handshake, an intrigued smile on his lips. “The pleasure’s mine, Ms. Gilbert. I have to say, it’s rare to see a woman apany William—he must think highly of you.”


    Hisment caught Ste slightly off guard, but before she could reply, William smoothly cut in. “Enough about us. Anson, you and Marlowe have been together for years now—when are you finally going to propose?”


    Anson’s attention shifted immediately, letting go of Ste’s hand with a quickugh. “Why don’t you worry about your own love life? Last I checked, you and Steven were still single. Marlowe and I are perfectly happy.” When it came to marriage, it was bound to happen.


    Steven huffed dismissively. “Don’t group me in with him. I’m never short on admirers—I have more than enough women around me.”


    Anson justughed, his attention shifting back to Ste. “Ms. Gilbert, please, make yourself at home tonight. Treat this ce like it’s yours—no need to be so formal.”


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