?Chapter 1431:


    But Lance didn’t smile. He watched Marc carefully and said, calm but firm, “Ste gathered that information herself. She’s trusting you. Don’t screw it up.”


    Marc paused. He shut the folder and looked up, his tone serious. “Lance, the way I feel about Ste is real. I don’t need reminders. I’d risk everything to get her away from William.”


    Lance didn’t look impressed. “Then make sure you mean it. If you betray her again, I’ll make you regret it.”


    He didn’t stay for the food. He stood up to leave without touching anything.


    Marc called after him, “Aren’t you going to eat?”


    Lance didn’t even turn around. “No. Meal’s on me. Knock yourself out.”


    Marc watched the door swing shut, then shrugged and sat back down. Well, if Lance was paying… it’d be a waste not to enjoy it.


    He ordered several signature dishes.


    The ce was known for its food, after all.


    By the time Marc finished his meal, the sky had started to darken. He got into his car, ready to drive off—but just then, his phone rang.


    It was his mother.


    He exhaled slowly before answering.


    “Marc, where have you been running off totely?” she demanded. “Every morning I wake up, you’re gone. What are you even busy with?”


    Ever since they’d moved into the new vi—the one he’d originally bought for Ste—Jazlyn had been livingfortably again, relishing her return to the life of luxury.


    But what frustrated her was that she hadn’t seen her son for days. She needed proper rest at her age. And she couldn’t afford to stay upte waiting for Marc.


    She didn’t understand. Ste had already been taken away by William. Why was her son still wasting his time and energy?


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    Marc rubbed his temples. “Mom, I’ve just been out handling some business. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be home soon.”


    “Well, I am worrying,” she snapped. “Come home. We need to talk. Be here in thirty minutes. Don’t bete.”


    Before he could reply, she hung up.


    Marc had nned to head straight to the office to review the files Lance gave him. Now he had to detour home first.


    As soon as he stepped inside, he heard Jazlyn chatting with someone in the living room.


    His brows furrowed. When he looked up, he saw a woman seated beside his mother—someone he’d never seen before.


    She wore a soft white velvet dress. Long ck hair fell straight down her back, and even from a nce, she gave off a refined, gentle aura.


    Hearing the door open, Jazlyn lit up. “Marc, good—you’re back. Come here,e meet Ms. Rowe. She’s a professor at Choria University, about your age.”


    Marc’s expression stiffened as he walked toward the sofa. “Mom… is this why you dragged me back?”


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