?Chapter 1180:


    Without a word, they turned toward the door, ready to leave—but Lance stepped forward quickly.


    “Wait. Since you’re here, there are some things you should know first.”


    The seriousness in his tone made them stop. Sharon nced at Josie, then back at him. Whatever this was, it wasn’t simple.


    They followed him inside, hearts heavy, bracing themselves for whatever truth Lance was about to reveal.


    Lance stood facing them, his expression clouded with unease. Across from him, Josie and Sharon waited, confusion etched into every line of their faces.


    Josie was the first to speak, her words tumbling out in a rush. “Mr. Carter, what’s going on with Ste? We’ve tried calling her again and again, but her phone’s always off. The people at the institute said she hasn’t shown up in weeks. What exactly happened?”


    Sharon’s tone was sharper, impatience ring. “And what’s this we’re hearing about Marc? Don’t tell me she’s actually with him again.”


    Lance didn’t answer right away.


    He gestured toward the living room and asked the housekeeper to bring some water. Only then did he finally speak. “Ste’s safe. She’s recovering… but her condition isplicated.”


    Sharon’s patience snapped. “What do you mean byplicated?”


    Lance rubbed the bridge of his nose, looking weary. “Nina drugged her. It affected her nervous system and caused selective amnesia. Ste only remembers what happened before her marriage to Marc.” His voice dropped lower. “In her mind… she still thinks they’re engaged.”


    The words struck like lightning.


    “What?”


    “Are you serious?”


    Josie and Sharon stared at him, eyes wide, disbelief written all over their faces.


    So Steven had been right. Ste really was back with Marc.


    Sharon’s voice rose, raw with anger. “She doesn’t remember William? Or everything that man did to her?”


    That couldn’t be.


    Lance nodded grimly. “No. She doesn’t remember William. She doesn’t know she was about to marry him. To her, that part of her life never happened. Right now, she’s looking forward to her wedding with Marc as if it were still years ago.”


    “This is ridiculous!” Sharon snapped.


    Josie’s brow furrowed deeply, but her tone stayed calm. “And you’re just letting her live in a lie? Mr. Carter, is that really what’s best for her?”


    He sighed, his shoulders heavy. “If it were up to me, I’d tell her everything. But the doctors warned me—a shock like that could destroy her. She’s fragile, more than you realize. If she’s forced to face the truth too soon, it could break her mindpletely.”


    He couldn’t afford to risk Ste’s health.


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