?Chapter 1327:


    She made a move to stand, but Lionel grabbed her wrist. “Wait. I can take you.”


    Settling back into her seat, Nina lowered her gaze, her eyes glinting with calction where he couldn’t see. “Really? That’s wonderful. I’ll be sure to attend.”


    Throughout dinner, Lionel was utterly captivated by her again and left the restaurant feeling dazed.


    On the day of the party, Nina stepped onto the cruise with her arm linked through Lionel’s, immediately spotting William and Ste.


    “Mr. Briggs, what a coincidence to meet you here!” Lionel called out enthusiastically from the deck when he noticed him.


    William lifted his head from a conversation with international clients. His gaze swept over Lionel, then paused on Nina—elegant, smiling, and perfectly poised beside him.


    His brow tightened ever so slightly, a faint chill entering his eyes. But given the setting, he merely nodded in acknowledgment, choosing not to engage.


    Nina stayed silent, her attention locked on Ste, who sat quietly in the dim corner shadows.


    At the high-profile party, Ste wore a simple yet elegant dress and barely any makeup. She kept to herself with quietposure, looking more like someone watching the event than taking part in it.


    William had brought her along but showed no patience. He left her on her own without a second thought, showing once again how little he cared.


    An important client had called William into the private cabin for a discussion, leaving Ste by herself on the deck among strangers.


    Nina saw her chance. She pulled Lionel away with a quick excuse about the restroom, then let go of his hand and walked over to Ste from the opposite side.


    “Well, look at you, Ste. You seem in a great mood tonight.” Nina sat down right next to her, her tone thick with sarcasm. She looked Ste up and down with open contempt. “Dressed so inly and sitting here all alone… Did William just bring you and then ditch you like you don’t matter?”


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    Ste’s body tensed slightly. After the confrontation at the vi, she was acutely aware of the unprovoked malice her so-called cousin harbored towards her.


    She met Nina’s eyes. For the first time, clear dislike showed in her gaze instead of the usual quiet eptance.


    “Nina, I don’t remember doing anything to you that deserves this. And my life isn’t your business.”


    Her voice stayed low, but it carried a new cold edge.


    Nina paused, surprised. The timid, memory-less Ste she knew would never talk back. Her expression darkened instantly.


    She scooted closer, gave a short, harshugh, and spoke louder.


    “I just feel bad for you. You let people pull your strings and don’t even see who actually cares and who’s pretending. William hates you, and Marc ispletely useless. You’ll never have real love, Ste. You’re only here to be used and thrown away.”


    The words hit hard. Ste went pale and gripped her skirt tightly. This time, though, she didn’t feel like crying. No hurt rose in her throat.


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