?Chapter 1358:


    Jewell’s and Steven’s words echoed in his head.


    Even Nina had said the same thing. They all believed he still had feelings for Ste.


    But did he? He didn’t even know anymore.


    Why had he panicked when she copsed? Why call in a private physician? Why the extra care?


    Wasn’t he supposed to want her gone—to not care if she lived or died?


    A few ufortable thoughts surfaced, but he pushed them away before they could settle.


    His expression darkened as he watched her sleeping quietly. He reminded himself, again and again, that he was only punishing her. That was the point.


    She had betrayed him. She wasn’t getting another chance.


    Ste woke the next morning to find the space beside her empty.


    She let out a small breath of relief and brushed her hand across her forehead.


    No fever, or at least it didn’t feel like it.


    Assuming she still wasn’t allowed downstairs, she washed up and settled by the bay window. She wasn’t expecting anyone, so when the door opened and Jewell stepped inside, she straightened in surprise.


    He spotted her curled up in the light and let out a softugh.


    “You’re awake. Why note downstairs?”


    Ste turned her head toward him, her expression serious. “William doesn’t allow it. I’m supposed to stay in this room. There are bodyguards outside. If I try to leave, they’ll stop me.”


    Jewell raised a brow. “Is that so? Because there aren’t any guards at your door.”


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    Ste blinked and nced toward the hallway. He was right. No towering silhouettes. No one standing watch.


    A flicker of hope lit in her eyes, and she rose from the window seat before she even thought about it.


    Jewell almostughed at the sudden shift in her energy.


    “I talked to William,” he said. “You can move around the vi now. No more bedroom lockdown. Just don’t get ideas about running.”


    Escaping wasn’t on her agenda anymore.


    After meeting with Lance, she’d promised herself she would stay close, gather information, and help Marc dismantle the Briggs Group from the inside.


    Running now would ruin everything.


    Still, she looked at Jewell, puzzled.


    “Why are you helping me?”


    They had only met once. She didn’t see why William’s friends would go out of their way to show her kindness. Steven had Josie, so maybe he had a reason. But Jewell?


    “Don’t overthink it,” Jewell said lightly. “You’re not fully recovered. Keeping you locked in one room would do more harm than good. I’m your doctor for now, so I’m considering your health. And William… well, he wouldn’t want you dropping dead anytime soon.”


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