?Chapter 478:


    Was she really trying to mess things up for him on purpose?


    Doreen, hanging on Marc’s arm like a designer purse, followed his gaze and let out a soft gasp. “Marc, who’s that guy with Ste? Is she doing something shady again tond herself another big deal?”


    Marc was already seething, but Doreen’sment pushed him over the edge. “That damn woman!” he muttered through gritted teeth.


    Without a second thought, Marc stormed across the deck, brushing right past Jon like he wasn’t even there. He leaned close and hissed, “So who are you after now, Ste? William wasn’t enough? Shaun didn’t do it for you? Got another name to add to your list?”


    Ste had been having a decent conversation with Jon until Marc barged in uninvited, leaving them both momentarily speechless.


    Jon, while not a local, had done enough business in Choria to pick up on the tone of Marc’s words.


    The moment he heard Marc speak so crudely about Ste, Jon’s friendly expression disappeared.


    “Excuse me, sir,” Jon said coldly. “Is that how you usually speak to women? Because that’s wildly inappropriate.”


    Marc had braced himself for Ste’s usual sharp tongue, but Jon’s rebuke caught him off guard.


    Spinning around to face Jon, Marc blurted, “Mr. Warden, don’t let her fool you!


    Ste jumps from man to man, telling lies just to move up!”


    Ste arched a brow, almost amused at how low Marc had stooped.


    So that was what he really thought of her? Then why was he always trying to win her back? Was hepletely out of his mind?


    Jon didn’t buy a word of Marc’s rant. “Ms. Gilbert’s been nothing but professional with me. We discussed business—clear, sharp, and straight to the point. Nothing like what you’re iming.”


    Marc stiffened. That sinking feeling hit him—Ste was about to snatch the deal right out from under him again.


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    “Mr. Warden, I’m the CEO of Walsh Group,” Marc quickly said. “I came to pitch a project too. I assure you, our proposal is far stronger than Ste’s.”


    Just as he reached into his briefcase, Jon raised a hand to stop him.


    “No need,” Jon said coolly. “I’ve already agreed to work with Ms. Gilbert. And frankly, your behavior today? The way you insulted her in front of everyone? That’s not the kind of business partner I want. Not even close.”


    With that, he turned away without sparing Marc another nce. He raised his ss toward Ste with a warm smile. “Ms. Gilbert, let’s pick this upter online. I’m looking forward to it.”


    Jon had mentally checked out. The way Marc was acting had killed the mood. Panic flickered in Marc’s eyes as he rushed after Jon, tossing out more desperate words. But Jon didn’t spare him another nce and headed straight into the cabin without a pause.


    Left in the wake of rejection, Marc stood motionless for a moment. Then he turned back to Ste, his face clouded with frustration. “Why do you always have to go against me, Stel?”


    Ste felt her stomach turn. One minute he was tearing her down, and the next he was calling her ‘Stel’ like nothing had happened. It was nauseating.


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