?Chapter 936:<fn30a2> Content originallyes from f?ndnovel</fn30a2>


    “So that’s why he’s always had it out for you,” Ste murmured. “Why he kept trying to knock you down, again and again.”


    Anyst sliver of confusion Ste had about Amon—the same guy who once yanked her out of dangerpletely vanished. She saw it all clearly now: every so-called good deed from Amon came with a hidden agenda and a truckload of resentment. That was why William had warned her, in and simple—stay the hell away from Amon.


    William let out a low grunt, like he was done talking about someone who disgusted him. Then he reached out and gently cupped Ste’s cheek, his thumb brushing the corner of her eye. “Stop wasting your thoughts on ghosts from the past. You’re here with me now. That’s all that matters.”


    His gaze locked onto hers, warm and steady, like she was the one bright light that made all his shadows bearable. The wave of emotion hit Ste like a freight train. She flung her arms around him, holding him tight, as if she could transfer every drop of her love and warmth into him.


    “I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered. “I’ll be right here. Always.”


    William rested his chin on the top of her head and took a deep breath. Her warmth, her scent—it melted away the chill those old memories had dragged in. All of that—the pain, the betrayal—it was behind him now. He had her, and that was more than enough.


    Moonlight spilled softly through the window, casting a quiet glow across the bedroom where they held each other like the world outside didn’t matter. Eventually, William drifted off. Once he was sound asleep, Ste gently slipped out of his room.


    Even though they were officially together now, they still kept to separate bedrooms. William respected her decision, and Ste felt like the timing still wasn’t right—not until he was back on his feet, fully recovered.


    In her own room, she quickly freshened up and crawled into bed. Just as her head hit the pillow, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She picked it up, and there it was—Lance’s name lighting up the screen.


    Your imagination thrives at  punt


    Midnight? What the hell was he calling for at this hour?


    Ste’s stomach twisted. Something had to be wrong. Her mind jumped straight to her grandpa. She picked up without hesitation. “Hey, Lance, is everything okay? Why are you calling sote?”


    He must’ve caught the panic in her voice, because he jumped in quick. “Whoa, chill. Nothing’s wrong. I just found this ne that fell out of the suitcase you left here. The sp’s kinda busted. Just thought I’d let you know.”


    A ne?


    Back when they were packing up for the safe house, Ste had thrown together ast-minute suitcase. Then everything spiraled—William got shot, ended up in the hospital—and her stuff had been dumped at the Carters’ ce for safekeeping. Honestly, if Lance hadn’t mentioned it, she would’ve totally forgotten about that suitcase.


    “What ne?” she asked, frowning.


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