?Chapter 482:


    William blinked. “What?”


    “She’s missing,” Sharon said, her voice dropping, tense and urgent.


    His chest tightened. “When did she disappear?” He moved to follow her, ready to search.


    But Willow suddenly stepped forward, clutching his arm. “William! My parents are right over there. Don’t you think we should go say hi?” She looked up at him expectantly.


    Before he could even answer, Josie’s scream tore through the air.


    “Stel’s in the water! Somebody get the lifeguard!”


    William’s face darkened in an instant. Without hesitation, he ripped off his shirt and dove over the side.


    Ste had no strength left.


    If it weren’t for the few swimming tricks Rita had taught her, she would’ve sunk a long time ago.


    But she was slipping—her arms weak, lungs burning, too much water swallowed. Her body was giving in. She started sinking, helplessly, deeper into the cold sea.


    Then, through the darkness—something grabbed her hand.


    A voice broke through the fog. Even as the ckness crept in, she thought she heard him. William.


    “Rescuedder!”


    William held Ste tightly with one arm, the other gripping thedder as he hauled them both up with sheer force.


    Once back on deck, he gentlyid her down and immediately started CPR. She hadn’t been out for long, but her lips were pale, and her chest still. William pushed through tenpressions, firm and steady. Then, Ste suddenly jolted, choking hard as seawater spilled from her mouth.


    She rolled onto her side, coughing uncontrobly.


    Sharon rushed over, draping a towel over her. “Stel,e on, let’s get you inside to change!”


    Ste tried to stand, but her knees gave out beneath her. Before she could hit the ground, William caught her by the waist—then, without hesitation, swept her up in his arms.


    She let out a startled gasp, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.


    Her thoughts swirled—had William really saved her? Was she dreaming?


    Then, Willow stepped in their path, blocking the way with a forced smile.


    “William, since Ms. Gilbert’s okay now, maybe her friends can help her change.”


    William’s expression turned cial. “This isn’t your call.”


    Willow stiffened, stunned. “How can you say that? We’re engaged. You’re my fiancé—everyone’s watching. This doesn’t look good for Ms. Gilbert’s reputation.”


    The cold look in William’s eyes sent a chill through her. For a second, unease shed in her heart, like he might’ve figured something out.


    But she quickly shook it off. He’d been by her side all day. No way he knew anything.


    “William, I’m your fiancée,” she said, her voice cracking as tears welled up. “I don’t want you taking another woman to her room.”


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