?Chapter 1166:


    He drew her into his arms, hiding the flicker of conflict in his eyes. “Silly girl, your healthes before anything else. We can worry about thepanyter.”


    Marc never doubted Ste’s abilities. Two years had passed, but her genius had not faded. She would inevitably rise again.


    All he needed now was seed capital to start over.


    In the days that followed, Marc cared for Ste with unwavering attention.


    He stayed by her side, speaking softly about the past two years—how he had waited for her, how every day had been an effort to bring her back.


    In his version of events, there had been no betrayal, no separation. He painted himself as the man who had always been there for her.


    With no memory to refute him, Ste believed him entirely. She depended on him, her eyes filled with trust and quiet attachment.


    That look both uplifted and tormented Marc. He knew it was built on deception, yet he couldn’t let it go.


    A week passed in a peaceful routine—the happiest days Marc had experienced in years.


    But the bliss didn’tst.


    Lance and Karson came to visit.


    After confirming Ste was awake, they rushed to her room. When they pushed the door open, they saw Ste resting against Marc’s shoulder, calmly reading with him as though they were newlyweds.


    Lance stopped short, stunned. “Ste, what are you doing with him?”


    Startled, Ste instinctively moved behind Marc. “Marc, who are they?”


    She didn’t recognize Lance as her brother.


    Marc stepped forward, blocking them. His tone was cool. “Whatever you have to say, take it outside. She just came out of aa and can’t be agitated.”


    Once Ste was calm, Marc led them out.


    Though their hatred for him was obvious, they followed, unwilling to upset Ste.


    On the rooftop, wind howled across the open air, whipping Marc’s shirt against his body.


    He stood with his back to them, overlooking the sprawling city. Once Ste was out of sight, Lance’s restraint snapped. “Marc, what the hell are you trying to pull?”


    L?t??τ chɑρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?????.??????


    Marc turned slowly, his expressionposed. “I’m doing exactly what it looks like—taking care of my fiancée.”


    “Fiancée?” Lance grabbed his cor, eyes zing. “She divorced you. She’s in love with William—have you lost your mind?”


    Marc didn’t flinch. “She doesn’t remember that. Nina poisoned her with a neurotoxin. Ste has forgotten the past two years. In her mind, we’re still engaged.”


    Karson stepped forward, his cane tapping against the concrete, his gaze sharp. “You’re saying she doesn’t remember William at”


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