?Chapter 777:


    “I made mistakes back then. Stel’s extraordinary. She deserves better.”


    His words caught Ste off guard. She knew he was performing, and yet… something in her chest tightened, a faint pang she couldn’t name.


    She ducked her head, hiding behind a sip of coffee, and said evenly, “Let’s eat.”


    “The food’s getting cold.”


    William’s expression barely shifted as Ste steered the conversation away, though the steel in his gaze lingered.


    He picked up his ss once more, swirling the wine slowly.


    Marc, hearing Ste defuse the tension, felt a flicker of hope ignite.


    For the first time that evening, she had spoken in his favor over William. Excitement rushed through him, and he silently credited the Mornstar deal for softening her stance toward him.


    The dinner dragged to an end, and Ste feltpletely wiped out. Emerson had taken all her attention as it was, but William showing up had only pushed her nerves further.


    All through dinner, she watched William and Marc carefully, waiting for the two to snap at each other over the smallest thing.


    When it was over, Emerson offered to drive her home, but she quickly refused. She just wanted to breathe again and get away from the stifling atmosphere.


    As she reached the entrance and walked toward her car, Marc hurried after her like a stubborn shadow.


    His face still carried the tension from earlier with William, though he tried to cover it up with a smile when he caught up to her.


    “It’ste,” he said. “I’ll take you home. We can stop by the hospital too. Grandpa’s in a good mood today, and he wouldn’t stop talking about you.”


    He reached out, as if naturally trying to rest a hand on her shoulder, like nothing had changed between them.<fb5> For original chapters go to f?ndnovel</fb5>


    However, Ste stepped aside sharply, dodging him as if his touch was something she wanted no part of. Her voice came out cold and firm. “Marc, don’t kid yourself. Why should I go with you? What are we even supposed to be now?”


    Watching Marc’s face stiffen in surprise, Ste’s mouth curved into a sharp, mocking smile.


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    “Do you actually believe a meal and a project can wash away the filth you’ve caused? Am I supposed to be grateful and act like we’re friends again?”


    His smile fell apart, his hand stuck in the air as shame spread across his features.


    She ignored his difort. “Let’s be very clear,” she said, her words slicing through him. “I don’t forget so easily. One deal won’t make you any less pathetic, and it definitely won’t earn you forgiveness. Don’t waste your time.”


    Back at the hospital, she’d already made it obvious that she was only humoring things for Truett’s sake. Whatever Marc tried to twist between them, it wasn’t going to fool her.


    Seeing his face tighten with unease, she added with a chill, “Your grandfather is my concern, not you. I’ll visit, but not in yourpany.”


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