?Chapter 784:


    He thought back to the scene at the hospital parking lot, William’s protectiveness and concern for Ste in to see. A sly smile crept across Karson’s wrinkled face, his eyes shing with calction.


    Setting his cup down, he turned to the butler. “Make arrangements for this weekend. Have the kitchen prepare Stel’s favorite dishes. Tell her I miss her and want her home for dinner.”


    The butler, who had served him faithfully for years, immediately understood the hidden meaning and gave a small nod. “Yes, sir. I’ll get in touch with Ms. Russell right away.”


    Norene’s words had been full of spite, but she wasn’t entirely wrong. A marriage alliance between the Carter family and the Briggs family would benefit both sides.


    And since William had made it clear where his hearty, Karson decided he might as well y matchmaker.


    If it worked, it would be perfect.


    By Saturday evening, the Carter estate was lit up warmly, the air rich with the aroma of avish home-cooked meal.


    Ste arrived right on time. She had spent the week burying herself inb work, avoiding any chance of running into William and shutting out every piece of news about him.


    But no matter how much she distracted herself, a restless unease still lingered in her chest.


    So when the butler called to invite her to dinner, she didn’t refuse.


    After all, the Carters were her family now—at least in name. She wasn’t close to them, but she didn’t reject them either. And aside from Nina, they had treated her kindly.


    In the dining room, Karson was already waiting. His face lit up the moment he saw her. He waved her over, smiling from ear to ear.


    The long dining table wasden with dishes clearly prepared just for her.


    As soon as Ste sat down, Karson began piling food onto her te, his voice warm with grandfatherly affection.


    “Look at you, you’ve gotten thinner. Work is important, but you can’t neglect your health.”


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    Ste’s lips curved faintly. “Thank you, Grandpa.”


    A soft warmth spread in her chest, easing her worries. For the moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the meal.


    Halfway through, Karson set his fork down, lifted his coffee cup, and eyed Ste with a seemingly casual smile.


    “Stel, is anything bothering youtely? You can always talk to me.”


    Ste’s hand paused mid-reach, her instincts kicking in. She had suspected this dinner wasn’t just about food.


    cing her fork neatly down, she dabbed her mouth with a napkin and answered calmly, “Grandpa, I’m fine. Work’s going smoothly. Nothing to worry about.”


    “Oh, is that so?” Karson’s smile deepened, but his sharp gaze seemed to pierce right through her. “No troubles at work, maybe. But what about your love life?”


    He didn’t give her a chance to respond before continuing, “I heard that young Briggs heir seems to have quite an interest in you.”


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