?Chapter 1654:


    Understanding that only made the pain cut deeper. She was forced to acknowledge the bitter reality — Arlo had seeded in fundamentally altering something essential in William. She couldn’t find the words to exin any of this to Steven, so she simply let the silence stretch between them.


    The room went quiet. Outside, the sky grew heavier as dark clouds slowly rolled in — a storm was expectedter that night.


    Ste’s phone vibrated in her hand. It was a message from Josie: “Stel, Sharon and I looked into Haley’s schedule. From what we can tell, she really dide back just for work.”


    Ste paused, stunned. Had she read Haley’s intentions wrong all along? Even so, a faint unease lingered. She couldn’t exin it, but something about the situation still didn’t sit right — as though she were missing a piece of the picture.


    She typed a quick reply, thanking Josie for checking.


    Steven noticed the exchange and brightened immediately. “Are you texting Josie?” he asked.


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    Ste nced up at him. “Why do you ask?”


    He looked awkward, rubbing the back of his head before answering. “Ste, you know I’m into Josie. Do you have any idea what kind of person she’s attracted to?”


    Ste blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to still be holding on after all this time. Something about his sincerity stirred a mild sympathy in her. After a brief moment, she answered honestly. “Josie’s very independent. If you’re serious about her, you’ll need patience. But one thing I can say for certain is that she values people who respect her choices.”


    “You mean… someone who listens to her?” Steven looked genuinely confused.


    In his mind, someone as tough and self-reliant as Josie must secretly want a person who could break through her defenses — someone strong enough to hold her up when she finally let go. Was simply listening really what she wanted?


    Ste met his eyes calmly, without a trace of teasing. She waspletely serious.


    Steven pressed his lips together. If that was truly Josie’s preference, then maybe he could learn.


    Josie’s face drifted through his thoughts, and his expression softened. Turning back to Ste, he asked, “Would you help me invite her out?”


    Ste stared at him. She could hardly manage to leave the mansion herself, and now he expected her to arrange a date?


    “You already have her number, don’t you? Why don’t you ask her directly?”


    Steven smiled awkwardly, clearly embarrassed. “I just thought… if it came from you, she might say yes.”


    Ste shook her head. “No. You should talk to her yourself.” She had no desire to step into the middle of it — especially when she had no idea how Josie truly felt about him.


    Steven didn’t seem offended. He’d asked without much expectation anyway. After a beat, he changed the subject. “Is William supposed to be back today?”


    Ste’s face fell, the light fading from her eyes. She shook her head slowly. “I don’t know.” Whether he came back or didn’t, she wouldn’t be aware of it either way.


    That realization seemed to spur her into action. Ste rose abruptly from the sofa, catching Steven off guard. “What are you doing?”


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