?Chapter 465:


    Thirty minutester, the doctor returned, flipping through the chart before delivering the diagnosis in a no-nonsense tone. “Acute gastroenteritis. He just needs fluids and rest. We’ve started the IV.”


    As the medication started working, William’s tense features slowly began to rx.


    “You should really have Rita take better care of your meals. Your stomach’s way too fragile,” Ste said with a frown.


    William nced up at her, then offered a faint grin. “Then maybe I should just hire you to cook for me.”


    Ste blinked. That backfired. She’d basically walked right into that one. She muttered, “I’m perfectly fine eating cafeteria food, thank you. I’m not looking to be anyone’s cook.”


    She was just about to ask if he wanted some water when the door swung open. In the next moment, Willow stepped into the room, dressed to impress in a sleek, high-end cocktail dress. But the elegance in her look couldn’t hide the storm in her eyes. The moment she saw William resting in the hospital bed, her expression darkened with visible anger.


    “Ms. Gilbert, what exactly did you do to William?” she asked, her voice sharp and using.


    Ste frowned. “What could I possibly have done to him?”


    Willow let out a coldugh. “Ms. Gilbert, I’ve always seen you as William’s colleague and respected that. But let’s be clear—I’m his fiancée. Are you seriously trying to be the other woman?”


    Thatst part hit like a p. Ste’s expression tightened. “I’m sorry, but he suddenly fell ill during an experiment today. I brought him to the hospital out of basic human decency. If I hadn’t been there, he would’ve passed out in theb with no one to help him.”


    She wasn’t expecting Willow to thank her, but twisting the truth like this? That was low.


    William’s brows creased, his expression darkening.


    “Miss Lawson,” he said tly, “I had acute gastroenteritis. She brought me to the hospital. Do you have a problem with that?”


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    Willow’s face stiffened. It stung, hearing William side with Ste like that.


    “Why didn’t you tell me you were unwell?” she asked quietly.


    Ste couldn’t help the amused snort that slipped out. She didn’t want to keep ying the third wheel in their soap opera, so she just pushed the door open and walked out.


    William watched her leave, his gaze stormy. After a beat, he gently shook Willow’s hand off his wrist.


    “You were out of line just now,” he said coolly.


    Willow’s expression faltered. The fake concern she’d been wearing slipped for a moment.


    She knew. She always knew—William didn’t have feelings for her.


    He let her act sweet, cling to his arm, but no matter what she did, there was always a wall between them. One she could never get past.


    But with Ste… it was different.


    “I’m sorry, William. I was just worried. I won’t say things like that again.”


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