?Chapter 1149:


    Erebus might have fallen, but the world had no shortage of those eager to exploit such knowledge. Entrusting it to the proper hands was the only choice.


    William nodded in understanding. “I can connect you with the right people.”


    Ste gave a small nod in gratitude.


    However, William’s tone turned grave as he spoke again. “Are you certain about giving all this away? The worth of this technology is…”


    “I’m certain,” Ste replied firmly. “And that’s exactly why it needs to be protected by those capable of doing so. I don’t have the means to keep it safe from people who would twist it for harm.”


    Three dayster, under the escort of a full military convoy, Ste personally handed over every encrypted device and research archive to the national institute.


    The moment the sealed containers were carried into the armored transport, the invisible weight that had pressed against her chest finally lifted. She exhaled softly, her shoulders rxing for the first time in months.


    That evening, a quiet warmth filled Ste’s penthouse.


    Candles flickered over a dinner spread of her favorite dishes. The gentle glow danced across crystal ssware and porcin tes, softening the sharp edges of the world outside.


    William held a bottle of red wine, his movements elegant yet restrained. “Taste it,” he said as he poured her a ss. “Rita made everything.”


    Ste paused, recalling how Rita had once pretended she couldn’t cook at all.


    She had to admit, Rita’s acting had been quite convincing.


    Ste picked up the wine, swirling it absentmindedly as her gaze drifted back to William. “Thank you,” she said slowly. “For everything you’ve done the past few days.”


    Even if their rtionship had been strained, Ste never withheld gratitude when it was deserved.


    William ced the bottle down, his expression turning serious. “Ste,” he asked quietly, “are you still angry at me… for once being part of Erebus?”


    Silence settled between them. Ste didn’t look away. “I was angry,” she admitted. “Not because you were involved with Erebus—but because you chose to hide it from me.”


    William gave a wry smile. He had always known that was the reason she was angry.


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    “I was wrong,” he said. “I wanted to keep you out of danger. But in doing so, I underestimated you.” His voice lowered, earnest. “From now on, no more secrets. I swear it. Just… trust me again.”


    He rarely made promises, but once he did, he always kept them. Ste gazed into his eyes. The sincerity there washed away thest lingering chill in her heart. “And now?” she asked quietly. “Is there anything else you’re keeping from me?”


    William reached across the table and sped her hand with both of his, shaking his head firmly.


    “No,” he said. “I watched you walk through danger alone. I saw your strength. Pretending I could protect you by keeping you in the dark—it wasn’t protection. It was disrespect.”


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