?Chapter 853:


    “I’m sorry, Mr. Briggs. The guest said he isn’t epting visitors—especially anyone associated with Ms. Woods.”


    William’s brow creased faintly. Without a word, he stepped aside and made a quick call of his own.


    Minutester, the hotel manager arrived in a near sprint, sweat beading on his forehead.


    He bent slightly, almost obsequious, as he greeted William. “My apologies, Mr. Briggs. We weren’t aware this guest was a friend of yours. Please—allow me to escort you personally.” He hurriedly ushered them into a private elevator reserved for VIPs.


    Ste nced at William, startled. He caught her look and leaned in, speaking low.


    “Thergest shareholder in this hotel chain is an old friend of mine.”


    “Oh,” Ste murmured, not prying further—but silently noting that William’s connections could unlock doors in ways money alone never could.


    The elevator opened onto the suite floor. The manager led them to a door, then discreetly withdrew.


    William rapped his knuckles against the polished wood. An irritated voice called out from inside.


    “Who is it? I said no disturbance today!”


    “William Briggs,” William replied evenly.


    There was silence. Then the click of a lock sliding open.


    The door cracked, revealing a young man in a bathrobe, early twenties, handsome but flushed with leftover anger.


    His sharp eyes flickered—until theynded on William. Shock froze him in ce.<fne731> Read full story at FindN0vel</fne731>


    His irritation dissolved into a twitch of unease, and nerves prickled in his voice. “You… How are you here?”


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    Ste blinked, surprised by the man’s reaction. Did he know William?


    William’s eyes narrowed, displeasure flickering in his gaze. “Hancock. I didn’t expect it to be you, but here we are. You probably know why we’re here.”


    Hancock Thompson stiffened. His wary nce shifted between William and Ste. Though irritation lingered in his expression, it was clear he was cautious around William. After a pause, he stepped aside.


    “Come in.”


    The suite wasvish, yet littered with clothes, empty bottles, and half-eaten tes scattered across the table.


    “How do you know Lena?” Hancock asked, slumping onto the sofa. His bravado was undercut by the unease in his posture.


    William lowered himself into a chair opposite, Ste beside him. His demeanor wasposed, controlled, as if he owned the room.


    “Tell us what happened. You left a young woman stranded in a foreign country. That’s no way a gentleman should act.”


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