?Chapter 1709:


    The other guests didn’t dare approach casually, choosing instead to observe him from safe distances. He imed a ss of champagne from a passing server and positioned himself alone by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the city lights below. Despite the animated atmosphere surrounding him, a profound loneliness settled over him like a shroud — he feltpletely disconnected from the celebratory chaos.


    A familiar voice broke through his thoughts from behind.


    William pivoted to find Carson approaching with an easy smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”


    William gave a brief nod, forcing his turbulent thoughts aside. “How’s your recovery progressing?”


    Carson’s expression grew serious, his voice dropping. “Nearly healed. Mr. Briggs, regarding our n — everything is proceeding as expected. My team’s intelligence suggests Arlo is about to walk right into the trap.”


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    Something cold and dangerous shed in William’s eyes. “Mr. Carson, I appreciate your willingness to partner with me on this.” The gratitude applied to both their business arrangement and their coordinated campaign against Arlo.


    Registering William’s solitary state, Carson asked reflexively, “Ms. Russell didn’te with you tonight?”


    William’s features shuttered immediately, his voice turning harsh. “There was no reason to bring her to an event like this.”


    Reading the warning signs, Carson didn’t press. Instead, he offered a knowing smile. “Mr. Briggs, I don’t know what’s happened between you, but as someone observing from outside, I can tell you that Ms. Russell cares for you deeply. Don’t let someone that extraordinary slip through your fingers.”


    William’s grip on his champagne flute tightened until his knuckles nched. He didn’t need Carson to tell him something he already knew too well.


    Once Carson moved on, William returned to his solitary vigil by the window — an ind of istion in the sea of mingling guests. Various business associates approached to exchange pleasantries, and William quickly regained hisposure, though his manner remained distinctly cold and remote.


    Hurst materialized at William’s side with calcted casualness and lifted his ss in salute. “Mr. Briggs, what a pleasant surprise to see you here. Cheers!” He extended one of the two sses he carried. William epted it and took a small sip.


    Satisfaction flickered behind Hurst’s eyes, though the pleasant smile never left his face. “Mr. Briggs, that young woman Alisha you encountered — she’s proven quite capable at Dixon Group. One of the most promising interns in this year’s cohort. We have you to thank for not overlooking such talent.”


    The mention of Alisha’s name made William’s expression darken immediately. “I barely know her.”


    Hurst arranged his features into exaggerated surprise. “Barely? But when she came to the office that day, I thought she—”


    “I met her once at a hospital. That’s the extent of our acquaintance.”


    William clearly had no interest in borating, and Hurst — reading the irritation building in his posture — pivoted smoothly to safer territory. “Ah, my mistake then. My apologies, Mr. Briggs. Since we so rarely cross paths at these events, let’s drink!”


    Hurst emptied his ss in one smooth motion. William, distracted by his own tangled thoughts, tipped his head back and drained his own ss. Hurst smiled. “I won’t monopolize any more of your time, Mr. Briggs. Enjoy the evening!” He melted back into the crowd as quietly as he had appeared.


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