?Chapter 479:


    “Business isn’t about emotions, Marc. It’s about ability,” she replied coolly. “I didn’t cut in while you pitched to Mr. Warden. So if you lost the deal, maybe take a hard look at yourself before pointing fingers.”


    Marc was practically fuming. Her words stung more than he let on.


    “You just can’t stand seeing me seed, can you?”


    He stepped closer and suddenly reached out to grab her hand, only to be blocked by Sharon, who swiftly stepped between them like a wall.


    “What is wrong with you?” she snapped, swatting his hand away. “Getting handsy with her now? That’s what you call being a man?”


    Marc lost his temper and shot her a sharp look. “Why do you keep meddling in things that have nothing to do with you? Just back off!”


    Sharon, however, didn’t back down. “It’s my business now. Ste’s got me in her corner. Try pulling that move again, and you’ll regret it.”


    Without waiting for a reply, she took Ste by the arm and began guiding her away. Marc instinctively took a step after them, but Doreen caught his arm and held him back.


    “Let it go, Mr. Walsh,” she said tly. “Ste’s surrounded by people who won’t let her fall. You chasing her now will only make you look desperate. This party is full of high-profile names. Focus onnding one of them. You’re talented, and plenty of big names would love to work with you. Let’s focus on making some good connections tonight and forget about her, at least for now.”


    Marc looked at her for a long second. What she said wasn’t wrong, but his face showed hesitation. After a short pause, he finally gave her a small nod. “You’re the one thinking straight,” he muttered.


    Sharon dragged Ste straight to the dining area, where Ste exhaled a long, weary breath.


    “Thank God you showed up, Sharon. I was two seconds away from getting physical,” she admitted, rubbing her temple.


    Sharon gave a dismissive wave. “Don’t waste your night on lunatics. Just rx and enjoy yourself,” she murmured softly.


    gα?ησν????s??оm, where stories thrive


    ncing around the crowded room, Ste lowered her voice. “By the way, have you seen Josie?”


    Sharon’s lips formed a dramatic pout. “Wow, Stel, I’m standing right here and you’re already thinking about Josie? Are you really putting Josie before me?”


    A headache prickled behind Ste’s eyes. “Come on. There’s no ranking. I’m just worried Josie’s out there getting herself into trouble again. You’re both my best friends.”


    That coaxed a reluctantugh out of Sharon.


    “Fine, fine. I’ll track her down. You—wait here and eat something before you start spiraling,” Sharon said, shing a yful wink.


    With that, Sharon slipped away into the crowd. Ste wandered over to the drinks table, grabbed a ss of champagne, and retreated to a quiet corner, letting the bubbly chill settle her nerves.


    She’d already clinched the business deal that mattered most; the rest of the evening belonged to her.


    Meanwhile, inside the cabin, Willow slipped into her new dress, pausing to admire her reflection. A sly smile tugged at her lips as she nced at herckey. “Gail, did you sort out what I asked you to handle?”


    Gail Hardy offered a brisk nod. “Everything’s arranged. The moment we get an opening, we’re good to go.”


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