?Chapter 785:


    Ste’s heart gave a small jolt, but her expression stayedposed. “Grandpa, you’ve misunderstood,” she said evenly. “Mr. Briggs has helped me a few times for the Carter family’s sake. That’s all it is—nothing more.”


    Ste’s tone was cool, almost detached, as though she were simply stating a fact. But Karson wasn’t buying it.


    He leaned back, drawing out his words in a knowing voice. “Just help? Yet I’ve heard he offended Nina for your sake, even dering she couldn’tpare to a single strand of your hair.”


    Ste froze.


    She hadn’t been there when William shed with Nina, but those blunt, cutting words—yes, that sounded exactly like him. From the very start, William had never cared about sparing anyone’s feelings. What startled her was how Karson knew the details. Someone must have run straight to him with the gossip. She didn’t need to think hard to know who.


    Taking a steady breath, Ste met her grandfather’s probing gaze, her voice firm. “Grandpa, I don’t know what William said to Nina. But one thing’s certain—I and William don’t stand a chance.”


    “Why not?” Karson asked, his eyes filled with genuine curiosity. “That young man seems solid to me. He’s got brains, ambition, and I can see he’s got a soft spot for you. I’ve lived long enough to judge character, and trust me—he’s nothing like the rest of that Briggs family.”


    Ste shook her head, her voice soft but resolute. “There are things between us we just can’t get past. Problems that can’t be fixed.”


    She couldn’t tell Karson the truth about her adoptive parents. That wound ran too deep, and it was a secret she intended to keep buried. But her eyes and tone left no room for doubt—her decision was firm.


    Karson saw it too. His chest rose and fell as he let out a long sigh.


    Instead of pressing further, he reached over and patted her hand with his weathered one. “Young people walk their own paths,” he said gently. “I’m too old to meddle too much. All I want is for you to be happy, to find someone who truly cares for you. And William—he’s got a good heart, I can see he’s sincere about you. But if you say it’s impossible, then I won’t force it.”


    Still, his eyes glinted as his tone shifted. “That said, Ste, fate’s a funny thing. Sometimes it pushes you where you least expect. You’re a smart girl—you’ll figure it out.”


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    Warmth spread through Ste’s chest at his care, but at the same time, helplessness pressed down heavier than ever.


    She knew exactly what he was hinting at. He didn’t say it outright, but the matchmaking aura was loud and clear.


    Meanwhile, across town at the top floor of Briggs Group, tension hung thick in the CEO’s office.


    William stood tall by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his shoulders rigid, a slim encrypted file clutched in his hand.


    Luca’s voice was low as he reported from behind. “Mr. Briggs, this just came in. Our team tracked down the son of an old police officer—the one who was first at the crash scene years ago.”


    He hesitated before adding, “Before he passed away, the officer left behind some notes and copies of photos from the ident. I’m not sure how clear they’ll be, though.”


    The photos had survived so many years.


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