?Chapter 1275:


    Steven understood there was no point in arguing further. Staying would only push William deeper into that darkness.


    He drew a steadying breath and spoke quietly, the resignation in his tone unmistakable. “As your friend, I’ve said what needed to be said. I just hope you stop before this destroys youpletely. Think about it, William.”


    Without another nce, he turned toward the door, unwilling to see the cold finality in William’s face, and pushed it open.


    Outside, Sharon and Josie immediately rushed forward, their faces etched with worry.


    Steven shook his head, his expression grim.


    Sharon’s fists clenched so tightly her nails bit into her palms. “He won’t let her go, will he? Stel’s still in there—I heard her screaming for help!”


    Josie’s eyes were swollen and red, fixed on the tightly shut bedroom door as if sheer willpower could pierce through it and reach Ste—imagining her trapped, terrified, and alone inside.


    They had searched every corner for the key, but Luca had confirmed what they already feared—it was with William.


    Their only hope had been Steven. He was William’s closest friend. Surely he could make him see reason.


    But when Sharon turned to him, desperate for an answer, Steven stayed silent, pressing his fingers to his temples as though trying to stave off the pounding in his head.


    The tension in the hallway grew unbearable. Sharon’s frustration boiled over. Her hands balled into fists at her sides.


    They couldn’t force their way in. Reasoning with William was useless. And if they called the police, by the time help arrived, what might have already happened to Ste?


    Were they really supposed to just stand there while she suffered behind that door?


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    The thought made Sharon’s throat tighten. She couldn’t shake the dread of what William—blinded by rage—might do next.


    Steven suddenly took a step forward, gripping Josie’s arm and tugging her toward the stairs.


    Startled, Josie twisted in his grasp, struggling to break free. “What are you doing? Let go of me! Ste’s still inside!”


    Even Sharon, who had never particrly liked Josie, couldn’t stand by and watch. She rushed after them, shouting, “Steven, what the hell are you doing?”


    What had gotten into him—and William both? Had they both lost their minds?


    Luca cast onest troubled look toward the study door before reluctantly following the others down the steps.


    Once they reached the entrance, Steven turned sharply to Luca. “Close the door.”


    Luca hesitated, his brows drawn tight. He knew closing it meant they’d have no way back in.


    Sharon’s eyes widened. “You can’t close it!” she cried.


    Steven’s voice dropped into a hardmand. “Don’t forget who you work for, Luca.”


    The quiet authority in his tone left no room for argument. With a reluctant sigh, Luca obeyed, the heavy door shutting with a dull, final thud.


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