?Chapter 1434:


    But William remained unfazed. “Just here to meet a few partners. That’s all.”


    Steven raised a brow, a little surprised. So no drama tonight? He watched them walk off, Ste still on William’s arm. Leaning casually against a column, he turned to Jewell and muttered, “What do you think he’s up to?”


    Jewell shook his head. “Can’t say. But I haven’t been summoned to patch her up in a while. That’s got to mean something.”


    Maybe William really had stopped tormenting her.


    William moved through the room with practiced ease, greeting one businessman after another. Ste followed in step, heels clicking against the marble floor, smiling politely, nodding when expected—but barely speaking.


    “Mr. Briggs, you and Ms. Russell really make a fine pair,” someone said with a suggestive grin. “Could there be good newsing soon?”


    Thement was bold, but William simply raised his ss. “If there is, you’ll hear it.”


    For over an hour, Ste kept pace beside him, moving from one businessman to the next in an endless round of introductions and small talk. Her feet were throbbing by the end of it.


    Quietly, she leaned toward him. “Can I sit for a bit? Just over there.”


    They didn’t need her for these conversations. Her presence was purely decorative.


    William raised an eyebrow. “Not worried the same thing asst time might happen again?”


    Without him nearby, the people at these events could be like wolves circling amb—ready to pounce the moment she was alone.


    Ste flinched at the memory, a chill running through her. But tonight, her feet ached so badly she couldn’t keep standing even if she wanted to.


    She swallowed. “As long as it’s not your orders, I doubt anyone would dare.”


    Nina wasn’t here tonight. That alone gave her some peace.


    Gal no ve l s . hosts your favorite stories


    William looked mildly amused but let go of her hand. “Don’t wander too far.”


    Ste didn’t hesitate. She made her way to the lounge area and sank into a velvet couch with a soft sigh of relief. She picked up a small piece of cake, nibbling slowly, eyes drifting toward William across the room. He was still locked in conversation, surrounded byughter and power ys.


    Her mind began to drift.


    That was when someone dropped into the seat beside her. A voice followed,ced with disdain.


    “So you’re Ste. Hm. Not much to look at.”


    The words yanked her back to the present. She turned, surprised, to find a woman she didn’t recognize.


    “Hello. Do we know each other?”


    The woman sneered. “Oh, I know you. Bride twice in two months, two different men. Who else could be so shameless except you?”


    The venom in her tone was impossible to miss. Ste set her cake down, intending to walk away. But the woman extended a hand, her smile fake and sharp.


    “I’m Charis Bailey. William’s schoolmate.”


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