?Chapter 871:


    Before Ste could take another step, William’s arm came up, blocking her path. The calm that usually marked his features slipped away, reced by frustration and helplessness swirling in his eyes.


    “Ste, why are you so upset? Everything seemed fine when we were abroad. What changed? Did I do something wrong? Just be honest with me so I can understand!”


    William had believed that the issues with her adoptive family were behind her. Even with Amon’s schemes still in y, there should have been no reason for her to push him aside. Were they not supposed to be standing together? Losing control like this was rare for William. Years of discipline andposure were slipping, all because of Ste.


    Several coworkers from the institute slowed as they passed, sneaking curious looks and whispering as they tried to guess what was happening. When he called Ste’s behavior a tantrum, heat red through her.


    Did William really see Ste’s unease and distance as nothing more than petty drama?


    And why had he not considered what he might have done to make her retreat? A knot of hurt and defiance rose in her. She spun around, meeting his frustrated gaze. Her voice turned sharp and cold.


    “You think I am throwing a fit? You have major projects and those so-called mandatory social obligations. Why would I dare trouble you over something small?”


    Ste emphasized the words mandatory social obligations with obvious sarcasm in her eyes.


    William, still keen, caught the subtext in her words. He noticed the sudden change in her mood, and his frustration paused, reced by confusion.


    He locked eyes with her and, with a steady gaze, asked inly, “Those so-called mandatory social obligations? Do you mean the business meeting with the Carter family at the equestrian club yesterday afternoon?”


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    William’s bluntness robbed Ste of her words, leaving her silent.


    Should she ask outright if Nina had been there, pressing him about marriage?


    Ste’s hesitation did not escape William. Piece by piece, it seemed he was forming his own conclusion.


    His expression shifted into something harder to read, and the faintest smile—almost imperceptible—curved at his lips.


    Before Ste could gather her thoughts, William moved in closer, reducing the space between them until she could feel the heat radiating from him. His familiar scent wrapped around her senses, aforting presence in the midst of her turmoil.


    He leaned down, his gaze intense, holding her in ce. His voice was low, each word like a steady drumbeat in her chest. “Ste… did someone say something to you?”


    He hadn’t mentioned the dating rumor directly, but his instincts were sharp. It was clear that someone had nted doubt in her mind.<fn84a3> The rightful source is ?ovelFind</fn84a3>


    Ste’s heart skipped a beat. She wanted to deny it, brush it off. “What could anyone have possibly told me…”


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