?Chapter 1257:


    By that logic, Ste truly did look like the unfaithful one—a woman who had thrown away a man’s sacrifice as if it meant nothing.


    But Steven wasn’t convinced. His voice dropped, cold. “I don’t believe you had no part in this. I’m giving you one chance, Nina. Tell me the truth. Otherwise…”


    Nina stepped closer, lifting her chin with defiance. “Otherwise what? You going to hit me, Steven? Don’t forget—I came back with William. If anything happens to me, do you really think he will just stand and watch?”


    If this had been before, Steven would’veughed at the ridiculous im.


    But now, the words gave him pause.


    Because the truth was, he couldn’t read William anymore.


    Nina saw the hesitation sh across Steven’s face and grew bolder, a small, mocking smile ying on her lips. “You call yourself William’s friend, yet you’re still taking Ste’s side? After what she’s done to him?”


    Steven’s brows furrowed. “Because I know William. He’s not the kind of man who turns cruel over a rumor.”


    “People change,” Nina cut in sharply, her voice carrying a hint of triumph. “Especially after being betrayed. William nearly died because of her. Do you honestly think a man could go through that and still love Ste?”


    This struck Steven speechless.


    For a moment, silence hung between them—thick, heavy, uneasy. But then he straightened, pushing his emotions aside. “Enough. I didn’te here to argue about William’s feelings. I asked where you took him during that month he vanished.”


    Nina shrugged carelessly, her tone dripping with indifference. “Why don’t you ask him yourself? What’s wrong—he won’t tell you?”


    Steven’s jaw tightened. He had never known Nina to be so emboldened, and frustratingly, there was little he could do about it.


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    Crossing her arms, Nina smirked. “Since he doesn’t want you to know, then I have nothing to say either. I’m busy, so if you’ll excuse me—I won’t be inviting you in for tea. Goodbye.”


    Before he could respond, she pushed the door shut with a sharp click.


    Steven knocked several times, but there was no answer. He let out a long, tense breath, frustration coiling tight in his chest.


    When he turned, Luca was watching him quietly, sympathy written all over his face.


    Nina hadpletely thrown him off.


    Not only had she dodged every question, she’d made a fool of him in the process.


    Luca hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low, careful tone. “Mr. Harrison, maybe we should just go back and talk to Mr. Briggs directly.”


    He meant well—and he wasn’t wrong.


    William might be unpredictabletely, but at least there was a chance he’d open up if pushed the right way.


    Steven rubbed his temples, fatigue weighing on him. There wasn’t much else to say. With a resigned wave of his hand, Steven turned away from Nina’s door. “Let’s go.”


    Moments after they left, Nina pulled out her phone and contacted a realtor.


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