?Chapter 973:


    Still, the certainty in his tone and the smug twist of his smile gnawed at her. His words slithered through her thoughts like snakes, stirring up the faint doubts about William she had long tried to bury.


    Was she meant to show up or stay away?


    Drawing in a steadying breath, Ste resolved to confront William instead. If there were secrets, she needed them from his lips—not filtered through Marc’s lies, sharpened only to hurt her.


    With Ste’s decision made, she turned away and headed back to the vi.


    The following day, just before three, Ste pushed open the door of Encounter Cafe.


    The ce was quiet, with soft music drifting through the air. By the window, she spotted Marc without difficulty.


    Her eyes shifted to the person seated across from Marc, a womanzily stirring her coffee with unhurried motions. At once, Ste’s steps faltered, and astonishment swept over her face.


    Nina?!


    What on earth was she doing here?


    Since leaving the institute, Ste had hardly spared Nina a thought.


    She had never returned to the Carter household, nor had she crossed paths with her again.


    Now, seeing her seated across from Marc of all people left Ste staggered.


    At the sound of Ste’s approach, Nina lifted her gaze and revealed a polished smile, as though she had been waiting for this very moment.


    In an instant, Ste grasped the truth. This wasn’t some random encounter or Marc’s lone scheme—it was a snareid by both of them.


    Forcing down the shock rising inside, she drew in a breath and advanced with her face carefullyposed.


    Nina broke the silence first, her tone dripping with sweetness that barely masked her mockery. “So you came. Sit down. Life must be unbearable now that you can’t step foot in the research institute.”


    Ste pressed her lips into a firm line. “Quit circling around. Say what you want, because I won’t waste another second here.”


    Marc leaned back in his chair with a look of smug satisfaction, as though the whole scene amused him. “I told you she’d show. Stel, it isn’t only me who believes William has skeletons in his closet.”


    Remaining on her feet, Ste’s eyes glinted coldly as she fixed her stare on Nina. “You’ve plotted against me all along. Is it because you’re insecure? Because deep down, you know you’ll never measure up?”


    For the briefest moment, Nina’s expression faltered, but she quickly smoothed it over.


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