?Chapter 1402:


    William barely looked fazed. He tossed a sideways nce at Steven and scoffed, “Lightweight.”


    Jewell sat nearby, quietly checking his nearly-dead phone.


    “It’ste,” he said, ncing at the time. “We should head out.”


    William nced at his watch but didn’t move. “You take him home first.”


    Jewell blinked. “I don’t even know where he lives.”


    They’d only met twice. Carrying him home felt like crossing some invisible line.


    But William didn’t seem to care. “I’ll send you the address.”


    Jewell realized he was serious.


    Jewell sighed in defeat. With no other choice, he got up, slung Steven’s half-conscious body over his shoulder, and trudged toward the door.


    Just as he reached the door, Jewell turned and looked back at William. “You want me toe back and pick you upter?”


    Given the state William was in, Jewell seriously doubted he’d get home on his own.


    But William shook his head, eyes dull. “No. Thanks, but I’ll be fine.”


    After Jewell and Steven left, William didn’t linger much longer. Less than half an hourter, he finally stood up, shrugged on his coat, and walked out into the night.


    When the car pulled up in front of Riverside Vis, all the lights inside were off.


    The whole ce looked cold. Empty. Like no one lived there.


    And for a split second, William just sat in the car, staring at those dark windows… feeling like the loneliest man in the world.


    To everyone else, he was William Briggs—the sharp, unstoppable CEO of Briggs Group. Always in control. Always one step ahead.


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    But even powerful men have weak moments. Even they want somewhere to belong.


    He killed the engine, stepped out, and walked inside in silence.


    The house was pitch ck. He didn’t bother turning on the lights.


    Upstairs, he stopped in front of Ste’s door. Just stood there in the dark, his hand resting on the doorknob.


    Five minutes passed. Maybe ten.


    Then, finally, he turned it and pushed the door open.


    Moonlight spilled across the room, casting a soft silver glow. Stey on the bed, sound asleep. Her breathing was calm, even. The faint scent of her shower gel lingered in the air—fresh, clean, oddly soothing.


    Drawn by something he couldn’t name, William stepped closer.


    She didn’t stir. Had no idea someone else had entered.


    Maybe it was the alcohol in his system. Or maybe it was just her. The way she looked asleep—peaceful, warm, untouchable.


    He slipped off his coat, lifted the edge of the nket, and slid into bed beside her.


    The mattress dipped under his weight. That was when she woke up.


    Startled, Ste flinched hard. Her eyes shot open, panic rising in her chest.


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