?Chapter 848:


    He nced up, eyes clear. “Morning.”


    Trying to appear natural, she nodded back. “Morning.”


    Room service soon brought breakfast, and they ate quietly. The tension of the night before had eased, reced with a calm, wordless understanding.


    Partway through, William’s phone buzzed. He checked the screen, his brow drawing slightly together before he spoke.


    “We checked the restaurant and nearby street cameras. A guy walked in with Lena around that time, but he left alone half an hourter, looking pissed.”<fnbf5d> For more chapters visit FindN()vel</fnbf5d>


    Ste’s heart sank. “So Lena might be telling the truth? She was really ditched?”


    He set his phone aside, his voice steady. “That’s how it looks. I’ve spoken to the hotel staff. If she needs help, they’ll assist her with the police or embassy. She can stay here until the forum ends today—I’ve already covered her expenses.”


    It was a practical, thoughtful solution—helping Lena while keeping things at arm’s length.


    Ste gave a slow nod, though an uneasy feeling lingered in her chest. She couldn’t quite name it.


    The forum’s closing ceremony went smoothly, and Ste received praise as a key speaker.


    From a quiet corner, William sat observing, his gaze often drifting to her poised figure on stage, filled with unspoken pride.


    By the time the event ended, the afternoon sun was fading.


    Ste declined several dinner invitations and headed back to the hotel with William.


    In the elevator, he asked, “Tired?”


    She shook her head. Though the day had drained her, the promise of the sunset spot he mentioned stirred a quiet thrill.


    Let your mind wander with g?lnσν????s﹒??????


    William checked his watch. “Change into somethingfortable. We’ll head out in about an hour.”


    Back in her room, Ste stood before the mirror in a fitted skirt suit. For a long moment, she hesitated, then reached into her suitcase and pulled out a soft, cream-colored dress.


    She rarely wore dresses—her wardrobe was usually sharp business suits or casual wear. Marc had once mocked her forcking femininity.


    When Ste finally stepped out, William was waiting in the living room.


    He had traded his formal suit for a simple ck shirt and tailored pants. The shift softened his usual corporate sharpness, giving him an understated elegance.


    The moment his gaze fell on her, it lingered. His eyes lit with unmistakable admiration, and then softened into something even deeper.


    “You look beautiful,” he said, his voice quiet and sincere.


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