?Chapter 1326:


    Steven’s words lingered in his mind like a shadow he couldn’t shake off.


    Did he still care about Ste? Was that why he couldn’t let go?


    He scoffed at the thought. Impossible.


    How could he care for a woman who had betrayed him? Everything he did was driven by revenge—nothing more, nothing less.


    And Fred? William simply found the man beneath his standards. Sharing the same space with him was irritating enough, and it had nothing to do with Ste.


    He repeated these thoughts over and over, trying desperately to smother the strange pull he felt toward her.


    Walking over to the liquor cab, he poured himself a ss of whiskey and downed it in one hard swallow. The burn slid down his throat, sharp and punishing, but it did nothing to calm the unrest wing inside him.


    His gaze dropped to the amber liquid still swirling in the bottle, his expression darkening.


    Keeping Ste by his side wasn’t about kindness. It was a punishment—a slow, deliberate torment. Did she really think everything ended there? No. This was only the beginning.


    Meanwhile, the humiliation Nina had endured at William’s vi gnawed at her every waking moment. Instead of clearing her mind, it scorched away thest trace of rationality she had left. Jealousy and resentment spread through her like wildfire, consuming every thought.


    She knew William’s temper well enough to understand that if she got too close to him and Ste again, he would strike back without hesitation.


    So she waited quietly. Then, after getting word of William’s uing ns, she finally began to act.


    The following week, William would be taking Ste to a cruise party.


    Nina swore she would be on that cruise too.


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    She made an umon move by inviting Lionel Boyd, a wealthy heir who was enamored with her, to dinner—dressing immactely.


    Lionel had long admired Nina. She was the Carter family’s prized daughter—brilliant, aplished, and a respected scientist. Having her as a wife would be an immense boost to one’s reputation.


    But Nina had always kept him at arm’s length, even calling him a frivolous rich kid. Eventually, he let go of his feelings for her.


    There were plenty of women chasing after him; he had no need to cling to someone who didn’t want him.


    That was why he was caught off guard when Nina suddenly contacted him. With both harboring their own motives, the dinner was arranged quickly.


    At the restaurant, Lionel politely pulled out a chair for her. As soon as they sat, Nina cut straight to the point. “I heard you’re attending a cruise party next week, Mr. Boyd. Would I have the honor of being your date?”


    Lionel froze, surprised she wanted to attend with him.


    When he didn’t answer right away, Nina’s smile dimmed. “Do you already have someone in mind, Mr. Boyd? If so, I won’t intrude.”


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