?Chapter 1409:


    William hadn’t been lying?


    The realization hit her like a physical blow—sharp, agonizing painncing through her chest, stealing the air from her lungs.


    Ste pressed her palm against her chest, struggling to steady her breathing while staring at the document in her hand.


    This couldn’t be real.


    Marc had lied to her without hesitation.


    After leaving her bedroom, William didn’t return to his study. Instead, he went straight to the Carter Mansion and arrived there in the middle of the night.


    He rang the bell, and Nina appeared at the doorway.


    Lately, she had behaved like an obedient daughter of the house. She followed Lance’s every request withoutint. She even prepared his coffee each morning.


    Nina reached the entrance before the servants could respond. The moment the door opened, she froze. Standing before her was the same man who had once filled her dreams with excitement and now filled her with bitterness.


    His icy gaze unsettled her, and she instinctively took a step back.


    Lance nced her way, so she turned her face to the side, pretending not to care. “Lance, someone is here for you.”


    There was no doubt in her mind that William hadn’te for her.


    William raised his brows slightly.


    He didn’t expect the Carter family to let her return, considering everything she had done.


    Lance walked to the door, and upon seeing William, his reaction mirrored Nina’s. “William? Why are you here?”


    Was he nning to send Ste back to them, or did something go wrong with her?


    g?lnσν???s?cóm is your escape


    Fear struck him without warning. “What did you do to Ste?”


    William paid him no attention and brushed past Lance’s shoulder as he continued inside, which only heightened Nina’s nerves.


    She muttered a quick reason and hurried upstairs.


    She worried William would go after her once more, and she also dreaded that her emotions would show the moment she met his eyes.


    Nina slipped away to the upper floor before Lance could read her expression.


    “Lance, tell me the truth about Ste and Marc. This is the only chance you get. If you want her released, start talking.”


    William’s tone was calm, as if discussing a routine business deal with Lance.


    Ste was nothing more than a bargaining chip in his eyes.


    Lance shut the door behind him and moved closer while William sat down on the sofa.


    Lance skipped any formalities and spoke immediately. “If I tell you the truth, will you finally let Ste go? You’ve kept her locked away at your vi for so long. Haven’t you calmed down yet?”


    William lifted his gaze. Even seated, he radiatedmand, refusing to be overshadowed by Lance towering above him.


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