?Chapter 488:


    She hated the antiseptic smell of hospitals. After a hot shower, she’d be fine. But just as she was about to slide into Sharon’s car, she heard footsteps jogging up behind her. “Ride with me. I’ll take you home,” William said. Sharon and Josie exchanged a quick nce and stepped aside without a word, letting him through. Ste’s brow creased. “We’re not headed the same way, Mr. Briggs. No need to go out of your way.”


    She reached for Sharon’s door handle again, but William caught her wrist gently. “I’ve got an apartment near your ce. I’m going there tonight anyway. It’s really no trouble.”


    Sharon and Josie immediately caught on. There was more to this than just convenience.


    “Stel, I just remembered—I’m running on fumes. No way my car’s making it to your ce,” Sharon said quickly. “Go with Mr. Briggs. We’ll feel better knowing he’s got you.”


    Before Ste could argue, both Sharon and Josie slid into their cars and drove off like they had a dinner reservation they couldn’t miss.


    Ste stood there, speechless.


    Were those two really her friends?


    They had just straight-up abandoned her… to William.


    Once Sharon and Josie sped off, William turned to Ste, his tone suddenly gentler, almost coaxing. “Your friends took off. This is the harbor—you can’t just catch a taxi out here. Let me give you a ride.”


    Ste simmered, feeling thoroughly used by everyone tonight. Still, William had a point. Taxis never came out here. Swallowing her pride, she trailed after him and slid into the back of his Bentley.


    Up front, Luca shed a sly grin, the barest twitch at the corner of his mouth. In his mind, William was a master, weaving the perfect excuse—one no one could reasonably refuse.


    Out in the parking lot, Josie was halfway to the exit when a figure stepped right in front of her car, forcing her to m on the brakes. Her hands clenched the steering wheel as she recognized Steven looming ahead, calm and unmoving.


    He took his time walking to the passenger window and tapped, his knuckles sharp against the ss. With a frustrated sigh, Josie lowered the window, barely containing her irritation. “What is it now, Mr. Harrison?”


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    Steven leaned into his usual charm, shing a broad grin. “Ms. Patel, any chance you could give me a ride? My car just gave up on me.”


    Josie shot him a skeptical look. She’d seen him park earlier—his car hadn’t made a single odd noise. Now, all of a sudden, it was broken down?


    “We’re not headed the same direction,” she replied aloofly.


    As she started to roll up her window, Steven reached out to stall her. “How would you know, Ms. Patel? You don’t even know my address. Just drop me anywhere past the busy harbor. I’ll be out of your way.”


    He blinked those deceptively earnest eyes at her, piling on the innocence. Josie sighed sharply, “Sorry, I’ve got too much on my te. Besides, with your money and all those connections, getting a ride shouldn’t be a problem for you. I’m not your driver.”


    She snapped the window shut, shutting him down before he could get another word in, and hit the gas so hard Steven stumbled back from the curb. Still, he watched her taillights vanish into the distance, an amused smile tugging at his lips.


    With a quiet smile, Steven mused, “Josie’s definitely one fascinating woman.”


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