?Chapter 831:


    She lowered her gaze, unsure of her decision. She wanted the truth, but if chasing it only dragged people she cared about into danger, how could she ever forgive herself? Her own life didn’t matter—but theirs did. Could she really keep going? Or should she let things be?


    William’s gaze softened, though his tone was steady and resolute. “This isn’t on you. The people behind this… they’re ruthless. But listen to me—Curtis can’t die. He’s our closest witness to the truth.”


    Ste bit back her words. The conflict churned in her chest, but she could only sit there in silence.


    Just then, William’s phone buzzed. He nced down—it was a message from Professor Ritchie at theb.


    “Mr. Briggs, I’ve discovered something new in the film. After a specialized analysis, I found a string of code hidden in the corroded section. It resembles an internal identification sequence used by certain organizations. Also, the call to Harold came from an abandoned public phone booth on the western outskirts of Choria.”


    Ste leaned closer immediately. William tilted the screen toward her. The moment her eyesnded on the string of numbers, her body froze.


    “091 5…” Her voice trembled violently. “September fifteenth… That was the date of the ident that killed my adoptive parents!” Her hands shook as she stared at the numbers, disbelief flooding her face.<fn97a2> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find?novel</fn97a2>


    That date wasn’t a coincidence—there was more to it.


    Marc’s words echoed in her mind. It was no ident. They nned it long ago. The pain seared through her whole being. She clutched her forehead, her brows twisting tight, her breathing uneven.


    William immediately grabbed her shoulders, his palms warm and steady against her trembling frame. “Take deep breaths. Don’t be afraid—I’m here.” His calm voice cut through the storm in her chest. His strength anchored her as she forced herself to take deep breaths, though cold sweat already slicked her forehead.


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    “It was them…” Her voice cracked as tears filled her eyes. “They killed my adoptive parents. It was nned!”


    William’s chest clenched at the sight of her breaking down. He pulled her close, rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles.


    “I know. And this code—it’s evidence. It’s proof that will pin them down. We’re closer to the truth than ever. Your parents’ spirits will guide us forward.” His low, steady words wrapped around her like a shield, easing the tremors in her body. Ste leaned into him, her ear pressed against the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.


    Slowly, the fury and grief within her settled, reced by a hardened resolve. She couldn’t stop now. Not when the truth was within reach. The code was a step closer for them, and the truth would surelye to light.


    Her tears still glistened as she lifted her head. William’s face was so close, his presence so solid, so real. In that moment, she felt him shouldering her pain as if it were his own—not to protect the Briggs family, and certainly not with the cold detachment Marc had used him of.


    “William…” Her voice broke, thick with emotion. “Thank you—for standing by me. I was wrong to doubt you. I was impatient, and I believed everything I heard. I’m sorry…”


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