?Chapter 1204:


    “I’m sorry I’ve been so absenttely, Stel,” he said. “You know how crazy things get with a startup. Once we’re through this initial push, I promise I’ll make it up to you.”


    Ste nodded, forcing understanding into her expression. “I know how swamped you’ve been. Really, I’m fine on my own. You don’t need to worry.”


    Her easy eptance melted something in Marc’s chest.


    Ste let her eyes drift closed, willing herself to stop obsessing over William. Maybe thewyer’s visit really had been some kind of mistake. Maybe she was reading too much into everything.


    Marc held her close, his face perfectly serene.


    But the moment she couldn’t see his expression, his eyes went cold and hard.


    He didn’t know exactly what had happened while he was gone, but he could feel it—she was keeping something from him. Whatever it was, he’d dig it out eventually.


    Once Ste’s breathing evened out into sleep, Marc slipped carefully out of the bedroom. The moment he reached his study, he pulled out his phone and called Howe.


    They met at an exclusive private club where questions weren’t asked and privacy was guaranteed—two men with their own calctions, their own ns.


    Howe studied Marc with barely concealed amusement dancing in his eyes. “Mr. Walsh, this is unexpected. From what I’ve heard, you’ve got Ste wrapped around your finger and your new studio is thriving. So what brings you here tonight?”


    Marc didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “Mr. Briggs, let’s cut to the chase. William’swyer visited Ste today.”


    Something shifted in Howe’s face, his expression cooling several degrees. Still, his voice stayed level. “Is that so? And what happened?”


    “I handled it for now. Since Ste doesn’t remember William, the visit didn’t cause any real damage,” Marc said. “But we both know this isn’t sustainable. Thatwyer showing up means William must have put contingencies in ce—protections specifically designed to work against you.”


    Howe let out a derisive snort, but he didn’t bother denying the usation.


    A handful of stubborn board members were clinging to the possibility that William might still be alive somewhere, which meant Howe couldn’t officially seize control. And then there was Jerry, conveniently “trapped” overseas by some supposed typhoon, using it as an excuse to postpone crucial board meetings again and again.


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    Marc leaned forward, offering his solution like a gift. “I can help you lock this down permanently. Don’t forget—I was thest person to see William alive.”


    Everyone in Choria knew the story: on William’s wedding day, Marc had been the one to lead him into that forest.


    Which meant Marc’s version of events would carry serious weight with the board—whether Luca bought it or not was irrelevant. And if Luca had any sense at all, he’d know better than to challenge Marc’s story in public.


    Howe had lived too long and seen too much to believe anyone offered help without expecting payment. His eyes narrowed. “What’s your price?”


    Marcid it out without hesitation. “Once this is finished, I want five percent of Briggs Group’s overseas operations. Plus exclusive partnership priority for the next three years.”


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