?Chapter 847:


    William watched the gentle curve of Ste’s neck and the flutter of hershes, his throat tightening almost imperceptibly.


    He stepped closer, closing the distance between them until the faint, crisp scent of his cologne drifted toward her.


    Ste’s pulse quickened, her fingers tightening around the ss. Yet, she made no move to step back.


    When William spoke, his tone was softer than usual. “You settling in okay here?” The question sounded simple, but he asked it with unusual weight, his dark gaze locked on hers as though her answer carried deep importance.


    Her eyes met his, and for a split second, her heart skipped.


    She gave a small nod, her voice taut. “Yeah, it’s pretty nice.”


    William mirrored her nod, choosing not to press closer or make any bold gesture, only holding her gaze steadily.


    After a pause, he asked, “Want to stay a couple more days?”


    Since Ste rarely traveled abroad, the idea of lingering a little longer carried its own temptation.<fn882d> Get full chapters from F?nd-Novel</fn882d>


    She considered it. The conference had taken four of her six days off, which left her with two to spare. Finally, she nodded.


    Relief softened William’s features. “After the forum wraps tomorrow, if there’s time, I’ll take you somewhere special.”


    “Where?” she asked before she could stop herself.


    “It’s a secret.” A faint smile tugged at his lips as he moved toward his bedroom door. “Goodnight, Stel.”


    She watched him disappear behind the door, a touch of exasperation creeping in despite herself.


    Letting out a quiet breath, she felt warmth spreading along her back, her heart still beating fast.


    Every tale finds a home at g?lnσν???s


    Her fingers brushed her flushed cheeks, and augh escaped her lips. She was giddy, like a schoolgirl.


    It surprised her. She was no longer a teenager, yet here she was, flustered as if she were one.


    That night, sleep came uneasily.


    Her dreams blurred into fragments—chrysanthemums swaying before her adoptive parents’ graves, Amon’s twisted stare by the pool. The night left her restless, drifting somewhere between wakefulness and sleep, faintly hearing her name whispered.


    Morning light spilled across the room and roused her.


    After freshening up, Ste stepped out to find William seated on the sofa, sharply dressed in a gray suit.


    Without a tie and with his cor slightly open, he looked less severe, more at ease.


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