?Chapter 1648:


    William sat in the back seat, fingers tapping lightly against his knee without realizing it. He shut his eyes, but Ste’s pale face surfaced in his thoughts. Almost immediately, he forced the image away.


    Opening his eyes, he spoke to the driver in a low voice. “Turn around. Go back to thepany.”


    The driver was startled. “Mr. Briggs, weren’t you going to the club?”


    Just moments ago, William had been arguing fiercely with Ste and had called another woman. Now they were here, and he suddenly wanted to leave? William’s brow creased slightly, irritation shing in his eyes. He felt the driver was saying far too much.


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    Sensing the shift in William’s mood, the driver realized he had spoken out of turn and was just about to pull away when a slim figure stepped up beside the car. A delicate hand tapped gently on the window — the sound quick and light.


    William looked through the dark ss at the woman standing outside.


    Alisha was still dressed in the same clothes she’d worn at the hospital. Her long hair was loosely braided and draped over her shoulder, her eyes clear and full of innocence. She really did look strikingly like a younger Ste.


    The driver nced at William through the rearview mirror and, reading the moment, didn’t start the car. He pulled over and waited quietly for instructions. William sat in silence for three full seconds before reaching out and pressing the button to lower the window.


    Alisha’s eyes brightened instantly, sparkling as if someone had switched on a light inside them. “Sir, why aren’t you heading in? Are you waiting for me?”


    Her voice was soft and lively, excitement threaded through every syble. When she looked at William, her expression hovered between timidity and careful anticipation.


    William met her eyes without warmth, his face unreadable — a sharp contrast to her animated demeanor.


    After a brief pause, he spoke in a t, detached tone. “I have other things to handle today. I’m leaving.”


    For a split second, Alisha’s smile faltered. “Is it because I showed upte? I’m really sorry — traffic was terrible. I didn’t mean to make you wait.”


    Her exnation only deepened William’s irritation. His brows tightened slightly. “This has nothing to do with you.”


    At his response, Alisha visibly rxed. Her expression smoothed out, softening into something gentle and understanding. “Oh… I get it,” she said lightly. “That’s fine. You’re busy — go ahead. We’ll catch up another time!”


    As she finished speaking, she lifted the box she had been holding and passed it through the open car window. “I picked this up for you. It’s from a bakery I passed on the way here — their specialty cake. You look a little low on energy. Something sweet usually helps.”


    William made no move to ept it. The paper box, wrapped neatly with a pale green ribbon, gave off an overpowering sugary scent even from where she stood.


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