?Chapter 1424:


    The cold words William had prepared died in his throat.


    He looked away sharply, dragged his tie loose, and sat behind his desk. “How was it?” he asked, voice even. “Did you enjoy thepany tour?”


    His question caught her off guard. She tensed up—was he testing her? Could he tell she’d snooped around his office earlier?


    “Not exactly ‘enjoyable,''” she said slowly. “Thepany’s big, sure, but kinda boring. And I’m starving.”


    In the past, she would’ve never dared speak so casually to him—let alone admit she was hungry.


    William’s hand paused mid-tie adjustment. Then he stood again, brushing off the moment. “If you’re hungry, then go home.”


    She didn’t move. Instead, she looked right at him with those bright, curious eyes. “Why don’t you join me for lunch?”


    “I’ve got a client meeting,” he replied coolly. “No time to eat with you. Luca will drive you back.”


    Before she could say anything else, he grabbed his coat and left.


    She watched him go, lips pressed tight.


    Luca drove her back to Riverside Vis. Ste sat in the back seat, arms folded, watching the city blur past the window.


    “Does your boss always schedule meetings during lunch?” she asked out of nowhere. “He doesn’t even get a break at noon?”


    Luca stiffened slightly. Client meeting? He didn’t recall anything on William’s calendar today.


    But Ste was already looking at him expectantly, so he nodded with a forced smile. “It’s a bigpany. Mr. Briggs stays busy.”


    More chapters just for you gα?ησv????s


    She didn’t press. Just turned her head back toward the window, her thoughts spinning.


    Maybe William really was a capable leader. Fair to those around him. Just… not to her. Not anymore. The bitterness still ran deep.


    Back at the vi, she curled up on the couch, phone in hand, waiting for Josie’s call.


    She had no way to remind her, no way to reach out first. All she could do was wait—and hope they were on the same wavelength.


    The day soon wore into evening. Just as the maid called her down for dinner, her phone finally buzzed.


    She lit up, eyes bright with relief. She swiped to answer in a sh. “Josie! You finally called!”


    Josie had been staring at her phone for half the day. She wasn’t sure when the right time to call Ste would be. Thest thing she wanted was to reach out when William might be nearby.


    After debating for hours, she took a gamble—figuring William was still tied up at the office—and made the call.


    The second she heard Ste’s voice, bright and relieved on the other end, Josie knew she’d timed it right.


    “Stel, how was your day?” she asked, trying to sound casual. “Any fun stories to share?”


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