?Chapter 1242:


    Howe forced a chuckle, though his voice cracked. “William, thank goodness you’re back. The entirepany’s been worried sick. I had partners calling me day and night, asking what happened to you.”


    As he walked further into the room, he went on smoothly, trying to regain footing. “William, I understand you have personal matters, but you can’t just abandon thepany. You’re the CEO of the Briggs Group. If you keep disappearing without exnation, how can thepany continue to function?” His tone was polite, but the meaning underneath was clear—a warning wrapped in courtesy.


    Dexter’s voice joined in quietly, but with weight. “Where have you been this past month?”


    William turned his gaze on him, unreadable. “Meeting with partners. I didn’t realize I had to file reports every time I stepped out.”


    He leaned back, his tone turning colder. “Before I left, I arranged everything properly. The only reason there was unrest was because someone couldn’t keep their mouth shut and decided to spread lies.”


    Howe stiffened.


    William didn’t let him recover. His voice lowered, slow and precise. “You hadn’t returned to Choria in years, Uncle. But the moment I’m gone, you suddenly came back and started interfering inpany affairs. Should I believe that’s coincidence?”


    Howe’s teeth clenched. His eyes darted to Dexter, sweat beading at his temples.


    Years ago, he’d promised to stay out of Briggs Group business. He had swallowed his pride when Dexter handed William the shares. He had waited, bided his time.


    This time, though, he’d been sure William was gone for good. His contacts had sworn the man was dead. Yet here he was—alive and more dangerous than ever.


    When neither of them spoke, William rose, buttoning his jacket with calm precision. “Uncle Howe, thank you for holding the fort while I was away. But now that I’m back, you can rest easy.”


    With that, he turned to leave.


    Dexter’s irritation boiled over. “You’ve only juste home. Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Are you off to see that woman?”


    Dexter knew all about Ste.


    Two years ago, after divorcing Marc, she had been with William. It was no secret how deeply William had cared for her—how much he’d given up to keep her by his side. But the moment he vanished, she had gone straight back to Marc. And now, rumor had it their wedding was set for the end of the month.


    Dexter’s brows drew together in silent contempt. He rarely involved himself in William’s private matters, but this time was different. A woman like that—one who could switch affections so easily—wasn’t worthy of the Briggs name. Someone like her could never belong in their family.


    Across the room, William’s expression darkened. The tension around him thickened until the air itself seemed to tighten. “You don’t need to concern yourself with my affairs,” he said tly.


    He turned on his heel, walked out, and momentster, the sound of his car engine filled the driveway.


    Inside the vehicle, he leaned back against the seat, rubbing his temple as the driver navigated through the mansion’s gates and onto the main road. City lights stretched ahead, sharp and endless.


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