?Chapter 768:


    From a short distance, William observed Marc’s pitiful act with open scorn. To exploit family bonds as a shield for his sins was beneath contempt, and the sight of it sickened him.


    He leaned toward Ste, determined not to let her waver. “Are you honestly convinced by his words?”


    William could see that Marc’s plea was driven by selfish motives, not by concern for Truett.


    Though Ste heard him, she chose not to respond.


    Her eyes betrayed her conflict—a mixture of helplessness andpassion—rooted in the thought of Truett still on the operating table, fighting for his life.


    Atst, a long sigh escaped her.


    Her gaze dropped to Marc, who still knelt at her feet, and her voice came out chilled and exhausted. “Marc, I’ll go along with this charade for Truett’s sake, but don’t mistake it as mercy toward you. What you’ve done, I’ll make sure you pay back a hundredfold.”


    She shifted her legs away, unwilling to let him graze her, her expression filled with loathing.


    “You’d better pray Truett survives this ordeal. If he doesn’t…” She let the threat hang, though the ice in her eyes made the rest painfully clear.


    “Thank you, Stel!” Marc’s shoulders slumped with relief, as though he had just been granted mercy.


    William watched as Ste made her final choice, a storm of emotions stirring within him.


    He understood her heart was gentle, yet too much gentleness only turned into self-inflicted harm.


    She was fully aware of Marc’s true nature, yet for Truett’s sake, she was still willing topromise.


    Did Truett truly mean that much to her?


    The thought left William wondering what the old man had done during her years of marriage to Marc that made her feel indebted enough to endure all this.


    The hours dragged on until night finally fell, and the doors of the operating room swung open once more. The surgeon stepped out, pulling the mask from his face.


    Your journey begins on g?lnσνe??s


    “The patient has stabilized for now, though his body remains dangerously weak. He must restpletely, without any kind of stimtion. He can be moved to the intensive care unit, but visits should be brief so as not to disturb him.”


    Relief struck Marc like a sudden release of chains, and he crumpled to the floor under the weight of it.


    Ste avoided looking Marc’s way, though a quiet breath of relief escaped her too.


    When Truett was pushed out on the gurney, Marc rushed after the doctors toward the ICU, and Ste followed close behind. Just before entering the room, she cast a nce at William, who lingered nearby.


    Half an hourter, the intensive care unit echoed with the steady rhythm of beeping monitors.


    Truetty on the bed, hisplexion pale, his breathing shallow, but his eyes were finally open.


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