?Chapter 1133:


    When she finally stepped outside, she saw him. Marc sat on the curb, head bowed, lookingpletely defeated.


    The moment he heard her footsteps, he jumped up and rushed toward her.


    “Stel, mypany’s on itsst breath. You’re the only one who can help me!”


    Ste looked at him quietly, her face unreadable. “Marc, we’re over. Yourpany’s mess isn’t my concern.”


    Anger flickered across his face. “It’s Haley, isn’t it?” he snapped. “She’s the one behind this. She used you to steal my client files!”


    Ste’s chest tightened for a second, but her tone stayed calm. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”


    “Yes, you do!”


    His voice rose, sharp and desperate. “She hates me for leaving her, and now she’s getting revenge. Stel, how can you side with someone like her?”


    Ste let out a slow breath and took a step back.


    “Marc, maybe you should ask yourself why it was so easy for Haley to turn everyone against you. If your business wasn’t already rotten at the core, do you think they’d drop you this fast?”


    That shut him up.


    She looked at him onest time, her voice cold. “You did this to yourself.”


    Then she nodded to the security guard and walked toward the parking garage.


    By the time Ste got home, William was waiting in the living room. “I heard Marc came to the institute today?” he asked as soon as she stepped in.


    He hadn’t been at theb—he’d spent the day at the Briggs Group—but Paul had already filled him in.


    He’d been tempted to rush over, but Paul had assured him that things were under control.


    So he decided to wait for her toe back.


    Ste dropped her bag and gave a small nod. “Hispany’s sinking, and he’s desperate. I made it clear I’m not helping.”


    William studied her face, his tone soft but firm. “Did you meet with Haley before all this happened?”


    Ste didn’t flinch. She nodded calmly. “I owed her a favor. That was all. It had to be paid back eventually.”


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    A shadow of guilt crossed his eyes. “I should’ve protected you better back then,” he said quietly.


    He knew Haley wasn’t someone to trust. She might be helping now, but the idea of bing allies was just empty talk.


    Ste already knew that. That was why she’d kept her distance.


    “Now that the Erebus issue’s mostly settled,” she said, “I doubt she’ll find another excuse to pull me in.”


    William nodded, relieved. Then Ste looked thoughtful for a moment before asking, almost casually, “What do you think—should I learn somebat skills from Rita?”


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