?Chapter 1538:


    He turned and headed upstairs without hesitation, pulling the study door shut behind him.


    The sound was not loud, yet it struck the most fragile ce in Ste’s heart and left a heavy ache in its wake. She remained rooted to the spot, her eyes growing painfully hot as tears blurred her vision.


    Eventually, she lowered herself back into her chair and stared at the steaming chicken soup. Everything suddenly felt painfully absurd. William was right. This was the result of her own actions — she had shattered the fragile trust he had only just begun to extend, pushing their rtionship back into a stiff and frozen silence. From now on, she should not allow herself to cling to any unrealistic hopes.


    As that thought settled in, she could no longer hold back her tears. They fell one after another, leaving dark, damp marks on the smooth surface of the table.


    “Ms. Russell.” Tasha had quietly drawn closer. She rested a hand gently on Ste’s shoulder and sighed. “Please do not be too sad. Mr. Briggs speaks harshly, but his heart is not cruel. His words sound terrible, yet he may not truly mean them.”


    Ste shook her head, her voice trembling. “It is alright. I understand.” She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand and forced out a smile that hurt more than crying. “You and the others should have the soup. Do not let it go to waste.” Since William had refused it, at least it should not be thrown away. She had spent a long time preparing it.


    Tasha stood and watched as Ste slowly made her way upstairs, then let out a quiet sigh filled with sympathy.


    Once inside her room, Ste made herself take a shower. Afterward, she stood by the window and gazed up at the clear moon outside, though her heart felt heavy and hollow. She climbed into bed, hugged herself close, and squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself not to think about what had just happened.


    As the night deepened, the clock edged toward eleven. After hesitating for a long while, Tasha reheated the chicken soup, poured a small portion into a bowl, and carried it upstairs. At the study door, she raised her hand and knocked softly.


    A voice colored faintly with exhaustion came from within. “You cane in.”


    Tasha pushed the door open gently. The study was dim, lit only by the deskmp. William sat behind the desk with one hand pressed against his temple, his brows drawn together in a deep frown.


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    She set the bowl carefully on the desk. “Mr. Briggs, you did not have anything to eat tonight. Please have some soup.”


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