?Chapter 1130:


    For a second, Marc looked like he might argue, but the waiter arrived, saving him from himself. They ordered in silence, neither bothering with small talk.


    When the waiter finally left, Marc tried again. “Stel, I mean it this time. I regret everything. I’ve realized you’re the only one I’ve ever really loved.”


    That did it—Ste almost choked on augh. “Marc, have youpletely lost your mind? You? Talking about love?”


    He reached across the table, maybe hoping to look sincere, but she leaned back before he could touch her.


    His eyes showed a hint of hurt, but he quicklyposed himself.


    “Listen,” he said quietly. “I know you hate me. But I’m asking for another chance. We can start over.”


    Start over. The words sounded so rehearsed, so hollow, that Ste couldn’t decide whether to roll her eyes or pity him.


    Still, Haley’s voice echoed in her head. She decided to go along.


    “You really want us to start over?” she said slowly. “Then I want something first. The partnership files from thepany,” she said, her tone calm, deliberate. “Every single one of them.”


    His brows shot up. “The partnership files? Why?”


    She lifted her chin slightly, the faintest hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth. “You forget—most of those deals were mine. Without me, the Walsh Group would’ve folded years ago. So I think I’m entitled to what I built.”


    Marc’s jaw tightened. “If you’re having problems, you can just ask me. I’ll help you.”


    There it was—that fake concern, polished smooth. It almost made herugh.


    “So, you’re saying no?” she asked coolly, sliding her chair back. “Then I guess we’re done here.”


    “Wait.” Marc’s hand darted forward, stopping her. “I didn’t say that. Those files are confidential. I just need to know what you’re nning to do with them.”


    Ste sat back again, twirling her wine ss slowly between her fingers. “Rx. I’m doing market research. Some case studies, that’s all. Or are you worried I’ll turn around and use them against you?”


    That got him. His shoulders eased, but the hesitation lingered in his eyes.


    “Alright,” he said after a pause. “I can get you the files. But… you’ll owe me a favor.”


    Dive into tales at gα? ησ ν?? ??s,


    Ste tilted her head, eyes narrowing. Finally. The real reason he’d wanted to meet. A faint, knowing smile crossed her lips. “Let me guess,” she murmured. “You’ve got a project that’s falling apart?”


    Marc’s face flushed as Ste’s words struck precisely where it hurt most.


    If he hadn’t been cornered, he would never havee to her—least of all to ask for help.


    He took a deep breath, forcing himself to sound calm. “I’m in the middle of negotiating an international partnership. The other side doubts our technical strength. I need you to develop a new patent for thepany. Whatever the cost, name your price.”


    Ste’s eyes flickered, her lips curving into a faint, knowing smile. She had expected as much. Marc Walsh never reached out without an agenda.


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