?Chapter 773:


    Marc understood that Ste’s greatest priority was her career. That was why he had taken the initiative to approach Mornstar Corporation. By calling in a few favors from the Walsh family’swork, he managed to lower costs and open the door to a potential deal with Neb Group.


    Ste’s team had evaluated this project before and marked it as a rare opportunity. If Mornstar hadn’t limited partnerships topanies with over a decade of history, she would have chased it long ago.


    She did recall that the Walshes had ties with Mornstar’s leadership, but she never expected Marc to be the one to ce such an offer in her hands. And yet, here he was, humbling himself, putting his pride aside, just to hand her this coboration as if it were an olive branch.


    “Stel,” he said, his voice stripped of its usual swagger, “I know I’ve wronged you in the past. I’ll own that. But this, this isn’t about me. I only wanted to make things easier for you. That’s all. Nothing else.”


    Ste studied his face. The usual arrogance was gone, and instead, there was something that almost looked genuine. Almost.


    Even so, she couldn’t forget who he was. She was well aware of his cunning nature, and she knew better than anyone that old habits rarely faded. Memories of the times Marc had schemed with Nina and William’s uncle to trap her were still fresh. A man like Marc didn’t change overnight. There could be a dozen motives hidden behind his polite mask.


    Still, with Mornstar’s executives sitting across the table, walking away now would only damage Neb.


    So Ste forced her voice into crisp professionalism. “If Neb partners with Mornstar, then our discussions remain strictly between myself and Mornstar’s representatives. Mr. Walsh, you can leave now.”


    The excuse was obvious. Deals like this required confidentiality, but really, she just wanted him out of the room.


    Marc’s jaw tightened. He understood perfectly well that she was dismissing him. And though disappointment flickered in his eyes, he didn’t argue. He stood, smoothed down his suit, and quietly moved aside.


    Only when he was gone did Ste seat herself opposite Michael Wace, Mornstar’s representative.


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    “Mr. Wace,” she said evenly, “if yourpany truly intends to work with Neb, I can set aside what happened earlier. But if this is nothing more than a favor to Mr. Walsh, then Neb will withdraw.”


    The edge in her words was impossible to miss. She would not ept charity dressed up as business.


    Michael gave a small, amusedugh. Ste’s calm yet firm tone reminded him she wasn’t someone easily swayed.


    “Ms. Gilbert, I think you misunderstood. Yes, I gave Neb a chance because of Mr. Walsh, but after looking deeper into yourpany, I really want to work with you.”


    Michael had been in business for years, and spotting good projects came naturally to him. He could tell that Neb’s patents and Ste’s vision were far ahead of thepetition. Within five years, Neb would definitely grow several steps higher. For Mornstar Corporation, partnering with them was a safe and smart move.


    Hearing Michael’s words, Ste decided to trust one more time.


    She carefully went through the contract, line by line, making sure she didn’t miss a single detail. To be safe, she even forwarded the document to Steven, asking him to double-check for any hidden loopholes.<fn57c8> Newest update provided by FindN0vel</fn57c8>


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