?Chapter 718:


    This was a world of elite socialites,pletely different from Ste’s everyday life.


    Ste realized, with a quiet jolt, that Lance wasn’t from an ordinary family after all. One didn’t throw a banquet like this unless they had serious standing. It could have passed for the high-end events she’d attended back in Choria.


    She wore a champagne cocktail dress Sharon had chosen—simple cut, elegant lines, ttering in all the right ways.


    Walking beside Lance, she kept her smileposed as they approached a couple in the inner circle.


    “Don’t worry,” Lance murmured. “My parents are warm people. They won’t say anything to make you ufortable.”


    Something in his tone eased thest of her nerves.


    “Mom, Dad, this is my lifesaver—Sylvia Gilbert,” Lance said warmly. “I’ve been staying at her home while recovering. I hope I didn’t worry you too much.”


    Susie Carter’s perfectly kept face lit with gratitude as she sped Ste’s hand. Austin Carter, all stern lines and quiet authority, stood beside her, his eyes no less sincere.


    Dozens of eyes seemed to follow Ste, sizing her up. She straightened her spine, telling herself not to fidget.


    “I really didn’t do much,” she said quickly. “I just got Mr. Carter down from the mountain. This is far too much thanks.”


    The couple exchanged a nce, then Susie said warmly, “What a lovely woman you are. Lance is lucky to have met you. If it weren’t for you, he might not be here at all. We must thank you properly.”


    To them, this night wasn’t just about celebrating their son’s safe return—it was about honoring her.


    After politely insisting she didn’t need the fuss, Ste slipped away from the center of attention toward the quieter edge of the room… and froze. Near the restroom, standing like he belonged there, was William. Her steps faltered. “Why is he here?” she wondered.


    William stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows, nked by a few men in tailored suits who radiated business clout.


    He wore a custom dark suit, posture straight andposed, the chandelier’s light skimming over his sharp features like it was tracing a sculpture. Ste’s lips tightened. Of course—he had that effect. Always the center of attention, no matter the room.


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    He didn’t appear to notice her, his head slightly tilted toward an elder speaking beside him, nodding now and then with quiet elegance—so different from the way he’d lost hisposure at her apartment door.


    Yet Ste couldn’t shake the feeling he’d seen her the moment she walked in. His cold, contained presence seemed to cut through the crowd and find her, sending a shiver down her spine.


    She tore her gaze away and slipped toward the restroom.<fn968a> Get full chapters from f?ndnovel</fn968a>


    By the time she came back, Lance was waiting.


    “Mr. Carter, shouldn’t you be mingling with the guests?” she asked, surprised.


    Lance chuckled. “I’ve never cared much for these events. I’d rather find a quiet corner and have a drink. You seem a little tense—is everything alright?”


    His tone was light, reassuring. He assumed it was her first time attending such an event.


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