?Chapter 1543:


    Once, she might have argued with Lance and defended the gentle version of Marc that lived in her memories. Now, after everything she had endured, the way she saw things had quietly changed. She did not argue. Instead, she gave a slight nod. “I understand. Even though I have not remembered everything yet, Sharon already told me what happened back then. If all of that is true, then Marc really is not the right person for me.”


    Lance was mildly surprised that Sharon had shared so much with her — but seeing that Ste appeared steady, he forced his unease down. So long as she was all right in this moment, it was enough.


    They talked about other things after that. Lance steered the conversation deliberately toward lighter subjects, mentioning a few newpany projects, trying to lift the mood. By the time evening arrived, avish dinner had been prepared — but Ste nced out at the darkening sky and made no move toward the table.


    The moment Lance realized she was nning to leave, tension returned to his expression. His smile faded. “Ste, do not go back this evening. Stay home for the night. We will see how things stand tomorrow, all right?”


    Reluctance filled his eyes. He knew William was still a ticking time bomb, and tomorrow was only a way to dy facing it.


    Warmth rushed through Ste’s chest, and she truly wanted to stay — but Tasha’s words from earlier surfaced in her mind. She had promised to return that evening. Provoking William was not something she dared to do. She did not want this small taste of freedom to be thest she would ever have, and she did not want her own impulsiveness to ce the Carter family in danger.


    She gently drew her hand out of Lance’s grasp and offered him a reassuring smile. “Lance, I cannot stay today. I already promised him. Sharon and Josie are still outside waiting for me.”


    The light in Lance’s eyes dimmed, yet he understood. He did not try to stop her. Instead, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice rough. “Alright. Go back for now. I will keep finding ways to bring you home as soon as I can.”


    Ste returned the hug, her eyes growing slightly damp. “Alright. I will be going now.”


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    By the time Ste stepped out of the Carter family mansion, night had already fallen. She sat in the back seat and watched the city lights slide past the window as a quiet mncholy settled over her. Sharon and Josie kept their silence out of consideration, leaving her alone with the stillness.


    When the car reached the vi, the clock pointed exactly to eight in the evening. Every corner of the house was brightly lit — but whether William had already returned, she could not tell.


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