?Chapter 1667:


    His expression hardened. Without another word, he turned, yanked the door open, and walked out. The sharp sound of it mming shut rang through the vi. Momentster, the ck Maybach pulled away at speed, the vi shrinking in the rearview mirror before disappearing around the corner.


    William leaned back against the seat, but the tightness in his chest refused to ease.


    Inside, Ste heard the door close and felt her body tense for an instant. She quickly lowered her head and continued her breakfast as though nothing had happened — evenmenting to Tasha on how delicious the sandwich was, behaving as if William’s abrupt departure had left no mark on her at all.


    Tasha offered a polite smile but said nothing.


    Around ten that morning, just as Ste finished breakfast and was preparing to head upstairs to rest, the doorbell rang.


    She stopped in her tracks, surprised. At that hour, she couldn’t imagine who might being by.


    Tasha went to answer the door. Standing outside was a young woman dressed in a pale pink coat and a white skirt, her long hair falling neatly over her shoulders, a paper bag held in both hands.


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    From where she stood, Ste recognized the visitor immediately — Alisha.


    A heavy feeling settled in her chest. She looked at Alisha without visible emotion and asked calmly, “Can I help you?”


    Alisha clearly hadn’t anticipated seeing Ste. Her smile froze for a brief moment before she quicklyposed herself. “Hello, Ms. Russell. I didn’t know you were here. This is Mr. Briggs’s ce, isn’t it?”


    Ste’s eyes were steady, as though they could see straight through her. “He’s already gone to the office. If you’re looking for him, you should give him a call.”


    Alisha appeared momentarily unsettled, but her smile returned just as quickly. “Ms. Russell, would it be alright if I came in for a bit? I made some cookies myself — you could have a taste.” In reality, the cookies had been prepared for William.


    Ste studied her in silence for several seconds. Seeing Alisha up close for the first time, she examined her features carefully and was struck by how much the young woman resembled her own younger self. The realization triggered aplicated wave of emotions.


    She nced at Tasha, who immediately stepped aside from the doorway. “Please,e in.”


    Alisha entered with obvious excitement, her eyes wandering as she took in the surroundings. “This ce is gorgeous. Does Mr. Briggs live here by himself?”


    Once the door closed, Alisha moved toward the sofa in the living room. Ste lightly tapped the seat beside her, signaling for her to sit.


    Alisha set the paper bag down on the coffee table. Though her movements were a little cautious, her eyes traveled freely around the room before finally settling on Ste. “Ms. Russell, do you live here with Mr. Briggs?”


    Instead of answering, Ste asked, “What are you really here for today?”


    Alisha pursed her lips, hesitating, before finally lifting her head to meet Ste’s gaze. “It’s nothing serious. I just wanted to drop off some cookies for Mr. Briggs and maybe talk for a bit.”


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