?Chapter 1516:


    William offered nothing in return, simply flipping to the next page.


    Lance drew air deep into his lungs before cutting to the heart of the matter. “I’m here about Ste. Sufficient time has passed—surely you’ve discovered by now that she never betrayed you. Release her. Please.”


    Only then did William lift his gaze. His dark eyes held no trace of feeling. “I remember stating my position withplete rity during ourst encounter.”


    Lance released augh edged with mockery. “You’re referring to the moment you threatened to destroy the entire Carter family? William, she’s lost every memory she possessed from the past two years—she recalls nothing. What purpose does imprisoning and torturing her serve? If revenge is your goal, you’ve already achieved it. She exists in constant fear and agony every single day. Hasn’t that satisfied you?”


    William’s expression turned even more cial. “Whether it’s sufficient or not remains my decision alone.”


    Lance moved closer, nting both palms t against the desk’s surface. “What price will secure her freedom? Money, business ventures,pany shares—whatever resources the Carter family possesses, state your terms.”


    William rose with deliberate slowness, circled around the desk, and closed the distance between them.


    Despite standing atparable heights, the crushing presence William radiated made the air around Lance feel thin and suffocating.


    William’s voice emerged barely above a whisper, yet each syblended with razor-sharp precision. “Lance, nothing infuriates me more than people who refuse to understand their position, who test my patience repeatedly.”


    Lance embodied this w. Ste did as well. Even Nina belonged to this insufferable category.


    William genuinely wondered if this defect ran through the entire Carter bloodline—thisplete inability to grasp where they stood in the hierarchy.


    Discover where it all happens: g?lnσν????s?c?m


    “Return home and deliver a message to your grandfather. If he desires even marginally better conditions for Ste, then cease these pathetic schemes involving that worthless fool Marc. Otherwise…” He allowed silence to stretch between them before his mouth curved into a frigid sneer. “The person who suffers the consequences will be no one but your beloved little sister.”


    Lance’s expression transformed into something dark and furious within a heartbeat.


    The implication crystallized with brutal rity. If they persisted in their resistance or machinations, William wouldn’t target the Carter family directly—he would channel every ounce of his rage into tormenting Ste instead.


    Lance stared at him, disbelief flooding his features. “You… What kind of man are you? Targeting a defenseless woman?”


    William’s gaze had already moved away, his expression suggesting Lance’s words held no weight whatsoever.


    Once he’d settled back into his chair, he pressed a button on the inte. “Escort him out.”


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