?Chapter 873:


    She had never med him. She didn’t even need his apology.


    Shaking her head gently, she whispered, “It’s not your fault. None of us could’ve known they’d show up there.”<fnfa09> ?????? ???? Find~Novel</fnfa09>


    But even as she said it, the question that had been gnawing at her slipped out, soft but insistent. “Yesterday afternoon…” She hesitated, her cheeks warming as she lowered her voice. “Was it really just a business meeting?”


    Immediately, the question left her lips, and Ste’s cheeks flushed. She looked away, embarrassed.


    Ste shifted ufortably, fighting the urge to ask too many questions. She hated the thought of prying into William’s life—his choices, his whereabouts—those were his business, not hers. Asking too much felt like crossing a line she wasn’t sure she should.


    William paused, sensing her unease. His eyes narrowed as if he’d just figured something out. Then, like flipping a switch, the coldness in his gaze melted, reced by something warmer—a smile that reached all the way to his eyes. He let out a lowugh, his mood flipping from tense to easy in an instant.


    Ste blinked, momentarily thrown off. What was so funny? Annoyance bubbled in her chest. “What’s so funny?” she demanded, frowning. “Did I say something hrious? You still haven’t answered me.”


    William stifled hisugh, but the grin stayed. He took a step closer, leaving barely any space between them. Leaning down, his forehead almost brushed hers. She felt his warm breath on her skin, and her heart skipped a beat.


    “So,” he said softly, his voice teasing, “you’ve been avoiding me, sulking around for days, all because of this?” Her stomach flipped, heat rising in her cheeks.


    Trying to cover up her awkwardness, Ste pushed him away, but William caught her wrist in a gentle but firm grip, keeping her right where she was. He took his time, his eyes scanning hers with that quiet intensity.


    “Are you jealous?”


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    His words jolted her. Jealous? She’d never thought about it like that. Normally, it was William who had the jealousy issues, not her.


    “I am not!” she said quickly, but her voice came out a little too defensive, and she instantly regretted it. William just smirked.


    “You are.”


    He said it like it was a fact, and the smug little smile on his face didn’t help.


    “Look, the Carter family is pushing for a partnership, but this isn’t about me and Nina. It’s strictly business. Nina was at the equestrian club yesterday, but I was there for a meeting. My family insisted. I wouldn’t have gone if they hadn’t asked. Yeah, Nina was there, but I barely said two words to her. If you want, I’ll take you to the golf club and show you the footage.”


    He spoke slowly, savoring her reaction. There was something a little proud in his voice, like he was waiting for her to admit she was wrong.


    Ste blinked, the weight in her chest lightening with each word he said. Had she really been that far off? She felt ridiculous for getting so worked up over nothing. Two whole days of frustration—thanks to Nina’s maniption.


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