Chapter 1190:


    When it was time to part, Sandra spoke gently. “Whatever path you choose, Ste, we just want you to be happy.”


    The words lingered, carrying a quiet weight that stilled Ste’s heart for a second. Before she could dwell on them, her phone began to ring.


    It was Marc.


    “Stel, where are you? I came home and you weren’t there.” His voice held an edge of worry.


    Without dy, Ste replied, “I’m out for a walk at the park. I’ll be back shortly.”


    After ending the call, Ste offered Sandra and Elbert a faint smile. “I should head back. My fiancé’s waiting for me.”


    Elbert watched Ste’s fading silhouette and murmured to Sandra, “She really does look happy.”


    At the institute, Ste was known for her calm and maturity, but never had she shown the kind of genuine joy they’d just seen. This side of her feltpletely unfamiliar.


    Sandra’s expression darkened, worry sharpening her voice. “That joy of hers won’tst long. It’s built on sand, and once the tide rises, everything will crumble.”


    On her way home, Ste walked faster, her chest fluttering with the simple thrill of seeing him again.


    She had no idea that, at the garden party she’d chosen to miss, her name was already on people’s lips. Guests whispered about her ties with William and traded spections about what was truly going on between her and Marc.


    Had it not been for those rumors, Marc would never have left the event so soon.


    An hour earlier…


    The grand banquet hall glittered beneath crystal chandeliers. The air was alive with elegant strings and the soft chime of sses meeting in polite conversation.


    Marc lingered near a secluded pir, a ss of champagne in hand that he had no desire to drink.


    From the moment he stepped into the room, Marc could feel the weight of the nces trailing him. They were curious, sharpced with silent judgment that clung to his every move.


    Preferring to avoid the spotlight, he chose a quiet corner, intending to speak with investors once he spotted them.


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    As he lifted his ss to his lips, a familiar voice cut through the murmur of the hall.


    “Mr. Walsh, it’s been some time, hasn’t it?”


    Marc turned to find Clifford Murray of Apex Technology approaching. A smirk tugged at Clifford’s mouth as he swirled the wine in his ss. His gaze swept the room before settling on Marc again.


    “Where’s Ms. Russell tonight?” Clifford asked. “I heard the wedding’s just around the corner. Surprising not to see your fiancée with you at an event like this.”


    Clifford had once been Marc’s business partner, but their alliance ended abruptly the moment Ste withdrew her patent. Everyone in Choria knew Clifford’s reputation. He was a man driven by profit, willing to discard anyone who no longer served his interests. His words often carried a sharpness that cut without hesitation.


    So when he approached Marc that evening, there was no mistaking the motive behind his smile.


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    Message from Noah: I hope you enjoyed the new chapters, dear ones. New novels will be released in a few hours, please enjoy them! God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best. ( ? ? – ) ?


    P.S. I will try to regrly release two new novels each week. I will announce which ones areing in the  WhatsAppmunity each time. (?????)


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