?Chapter 477:


    William locked eyes with Marc for half a second, his expression full of scorn, then casually handed his tinum membership card to the staff. “Book the whole ce. I’m not shopping around people who don’t match my vibe.” His tone was cool, careless—and made his point loud and clear.


    The staffer, clearly catching on, nodded fast and rushed off.


    Marc, still admiring his reflection, didn’t even notice what was happening until the staff came back with the news that the boutique was closing immediately. Marc blinked, confused. “What? There are still other customers here. I can afford this ce, what’s the problem?”


    The staffer looked genuinely sorry. “I’m really sorry, sir, but Mr. Briggs has just reserved the store for a private session. We won’t be serving other guests today.”


    Marc and Doreen were momentarily speechless.


    Doreen had heard of rich people renting out whole restaurants—but entire stores just to shop?


    Either way, no matter how bitter they were, they had no choice but to leave—angry and embarrassed.


    They were very aware that Marc’s wallet didn’te close to William’s.


    Ste boarded the cruise ship with Sharon and Josie about an hour before departure.


    The thing was massive. Five whole decks, packed with everything from bars to boutiques. A floating luxury mall on water.


    Sharon and Josie had scored cabins on either side of Ste’s. When she opened her door, it honestly felt like she had two bodyguards posted outside. As the cruise…


    The ship pulled away from the harbor, cruising into the open sea. The neon lights from the shore cast a dreamy glow over the water. The whole scene looked straight out of a movie.


    Once the party started, the deck came alive—music, lights, and a crowd full of movers and shakers. Ste wasn’t there to mess around—this was the kind of event where the right conversation could change everything.


    The breeze was chilly as she stepped out onto the deck. Looking down at the dark waves, she shivered.


    Your escape begins at g?lnσν???s


    Sharon grabbed her arm. “Stel, if you can’t swim, maybe stop staring into the ocean like you’re about to jump. You’ll psych yourself out.”


    Ste smirked and nodded, walking further onto the deck to shake it off.


    The ce was packed—peopleughing, drinking, schmoozing.


    Ste sipped her champagne and scanned the crowd—her eyesnding on someone she needed to talk to. Without hesitating, she made her move. “Mr. Warden. Hi,” she said with a smile. “I’m Sylvia Gilbert, CEO of Neb. Mind if I steal a few minutes?”


    The overhead lights hit her just right, casting a soft glow across her face—elegant, radiant, poised.


    No gentleman was saying no to that. “Of course, my beautifuldy,” he replied with a grin. “I’ve got all the time in the world.”


    Marc had been looking for Jon Warden, a potential business partner, on the cruise ship with Doreen for a long time. Just when he finally spotted Jon, he also saw Ste standing there, talking to him.


    He froze. Ste was smiling and acting all friendly with Jon, and that made Marc clench his fists in anger.


    Why did she always show up and get involved with people he needed to talk to?


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