?Chapter 1549:


    Ste watched William’s retreating back, and the small spark of hope that had risen inside her slowly dimmed. He had not really meant to get her a pet — just as she had expected. She never should have allowed herself to hope. Perhaps her words had irritated him again.


    The realization left a bitter taste on her tongue and stung her eyes with unshed tears. She finished the rest of her breakfast in silence, then returned to her room.


    She did not dare think about pets again, especially since he had note home for several nights. Work had likely imed him once more.


    Two afternoonster, while she was reading in the study, a faint sound drifted up from downstairs — soft, uneven whimpering. Confused, she set her book aside and walked toward the staircase.


    Tasha stood in the living room with a warm smile, holding a cardboard box. When she spotted Ste on thending above, her smile widened and she waved her down. “Ms. Russell,e quickly!”


    Ste’s heart began to race for no clear reason. She hurried down the stairs, and as she drew closer, she saw a small, fluffy shape wriggling inside the box, scrambling to climb over the edge.


    It was a golden retriever puppy — no more than two or three months old, with soft drooping ears and wide, shining eyes full of curiosity. When it noticed her, it lifted its pink nose, sniffed the air, and let out a cheerful bark.


    Something gentle seemed to strike her straight in the chest.


    Her hands trembled as she slowly reached out toward it. He had actually bought this for her — a puppy. She had believed the subject of pets was entirely closed, convinced she had annoyed him during his absence. Yet here it was, alive and warm, right there in the vi.


    The puppy leaned eagerly into her touch without hesitation, nudging her fingertips with its damp nose before giving a quick lick with its tiny pink tongue. The sensation sent warmth spreading through her, gently lifting the heaviness that had clung to her for days.


    Ste lifted her head, eyes shimmering. “Did William really buy this?” The words came out barely above a whisper. It felt like a fragile dream, and she was afraid to raise her voice in case it shattered.


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    Tasha smiled and nodded. “Yes, Mr. Briggs bought it. His assistant Luca brought it over and said it was a gift for you, Ms. Russell.”


    With careful hands, Ste lifted the puppy from the box and held it close. The little one rxed almost immediately, nestling into her arms with a small, contented sound. Its warmth spread through its soft fur and wrapped around her like a gentlefort. She lowered her head and stroked its fluffy crown, and tears slipped quietly into the thick fur without her even noticing.


    Outside the window, the sunset painted the vi in shades of gold, filling the room with warmth.


    At the Briggs Group office, William stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows. Three minutes earlier, Tasha had called from the vi to report Ste’s reaction. In his mind, he pictured her smiling as she held the puppy, and the tight crease between his brows — tense for days — finally eased. His lips stayed pressed together, yet a warmth stirred in his chest that he could not fully exin. Just as Tasha had said, having a pet clearly lifted Ste’s spirits.


    She named the golden retriever Felix, hoping the name might bring her luck — even though she knew it was only wishful thinking. Still, she had to admit Tasha was right. Everyone needed something to hold on to.


    Felix was energetic and affectionate, exploring every corner of the vi while the staff doted on him. Perhaps it was fate, but his favorite person was her — he circled her feet constantly and nudged her with his wet nose at every opportunity. Caring for the little creature quickly filled her days, upying her time and energy while gently dissolving the loneliness she had been carrying.


    When the staff went out to shop, Ste asked them to pick up a few toys for Felix. She knew teething puppies needed things to chew on. Watching him gnaw away without a care, William’s cold expression sometimes drifted through her thoughts — and yet Felix was a gift from him. Without his consent, she would not have had this warm presence beside her each day, even if her current circumstances existedrgely because of him.


    A quiet sense of gratitude slowly took root in her heart. Perhaps he was not as distant and unfeeling as he appeared. Perhaps her homemade soup had softened him, just a little. Whatever the reason, she hade to believe he liked it more than he had ever let on.


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