?Chapter 1609:


    Ste studied his face. The tension in his expression told her enough, and her chest tightened. “And what is it?”


    Jewell exhaled slowly, pressing his fingers against his temples before continuing. “William has been transferring substantial amounts of money into Arlo’s overseas ounts. Some of those transfers were made using Briggs Group funds.”


    Everyone involved understood that William had the personal means to cover such sums — but reroutingpany money to Arlo made the situation far more serious.


    Ste stared at him, shock freezing her in ce as her thoughts spiraled. “So you’re saying he’s working with Arlo?” It made no sense. Arlo was the one who had pushed William into his current state — how could William still have any ties to him? And funneling that level of financial support to Arlo would only expand his influence and power.


    Jewell shook his head. “We aren’t sure if they’re truly coborating, but I think we need to find a way to talk to William.” William couldn’t go on sending money to Arlo like this.


    Ste gave a small, steady nod. “I understand. I’ll wait for the right moment to ask William.”


    A trace of surprise shed across Jewell’s face. “Wouldn’t it be safer if Steven and I talked to him instead?” Given William’s unstable state, it seemed far too risky for Ste to confront him about something so sensitive.


    Ste shook her head without hesitation. “He’s been around the two of you this whole time, hasn’t he? If he hasn’t mentioned it yet, what makes you think he’ll suddenly open up just because you ask?”


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    Her calm reasoning left Jewell briefly at a loss for words. He couldn’t refute her point. From the very beginning, William had never discussed anything rted to Arlo with either him or Steven. The truth had onlye out after Ste was taken by Marc, when Marc and Nina finally revealed what they knew. Getting this version of William to tell the truth would be a monumental task.


    “Then we’ll leave it for now,” Jewell said after a moment. “You should rest. I need to go — he’ll be here soon, and it won’t help anyone if he finds out I was here.” He gave a brief nod and hurried out of the ward.


    At six in the evening, William arrived. He was dressed in a dark gray suit, looking as though he hade straight from the office, a refined food container held carefully in one hand. He set it on the bedside table, his voice still cool and restrained, his movements unexpectedly gentle. “What did the doctor say?”


    Ste looked up at him, her eyes soft, almost tender. “It’s nothing serious. I just need more rest.” She spoke lightly, as if the injury were of no consequence.


    William opened the food container, pressing his lips together as he did. Inside was a neatly arranged, nutritious meal — every dish chosen to suit her tastes. He passed her the spoon, his tone noticeably quieter. “The doctor said you need to regain your strength. Tasha prepared this.”


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