?Chapter 1398:


    Maybe the disaster at thest wedding wasn’t just bad luck—maybe it was a sign. Ste and Marc were never meant to work out.


    “I know,” Lance said simply.


    “Good,” Karson replied. “As long as your head’s clear, I can rest easy. I’ve still got a few things to finish here. Talk soon.”


    The call ended. Lance slipped his phone back into his pocket and headed down the hall, quietly pushing open Nina’s door.


    The lights inside were soft, casting a warm, orange glow across the room. Nina was sitting on the bed, wrapped in a nket, smiling up at him like they were still the same family from the past.


    “Lance,” she said gently, “I’ve done a lot of thinkingtely.”


    Lance watched her silently, deep in thought.


    “I know you don’t believe me right now,” she went on, “but I can prove myself. Just give me time.”


    She didn’t say much more. She knew if she kept talking, she’d only push him further away. So instead, she reached out and lightly tugged at his sleeve, then closed her eyes.


    That tiny motion made something flicker in Lance’s expression.


    When they were kids, Nina had been terrified of ghosts. Any time she stayed over, she’d clutch his sleeve while falling asleep—even if it was just on the living room couch.


    Norene would always wait until she’d dozed off before carrying her back to bed.


    After all these years… she still hadn’t let go of that habit.


    Lance looked at her quietly.


    As her breathing slowly evened out, he studied her peaceful sleeping face. After a while, he murmured under his breath, “This is yourst chance, Nina. Don’t mess it up.”


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    Once she was fully asleep, he carefully slid his sleeve from her grip and left the room.


    Back in his own space, the silence felt heavier than usual. He sat down, rubbing his temples.


    He wasn’t blind—he knew Nina might havee back with hidden motives. But she was still family, and he was willing to give her that onest shot.


    If she had any conscience left, she wouldn’t repeat past mistakes.


    But if she was still scheming… if she still had it out for Ste or William… then he was ready. He’d deal with her himself.


    He was curious to see how far she’d go this time.


    Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Ste was deep in thought after talking to William. Her confusion had only grown.


    She’d once told Jewell she didn’t want her memories back. At the time, she’d said it for her own peace of mind.


    But maybe… Jewell had been right. Maybe she was just scared of what she might remember.


    Still, what William had said left her even more puzzled.


    Were they really that in love before?


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