?Chapter 1715:


    Situations like this cropped up often enough in their social circles, but having a child would change everything. Steven had no intention of watching this woman appear at William’s doorstep months from now with a baby in her arms.


    Alisha’s gaze fixed on the small medicine box. Her hands trembled as she pried it open, extracted a white pill, and forced it down her throat.


    The truth was, nothing had happened between her and William the night before.


    But convincing the man standing before her required a performance, and swallowing the pill was the only way to sell the lie.


    Steven observed herpliance with cold detachment, unmoved by the tears streaking her face or the tremor in her hands.


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    “You don’t tell anyone aboutst night. Especially not Ste. If she finds out, I will make you regret it in ways you can’t even imagine.”


    Alisha’s breath hitched. After a long pause, she responded carefully, “We live in a civilized society withws. Are you actually threatening to silence me if she finds out?”


    Stevenughed. “Miss Cooper, you’re right — we do live in a society governed byw. Which means I have countless ways to destroy your life without breaking a single statute. Would you like to find out what those ways are?”


    All color drained from Alisha’s face.


    She understood with brutal rity that she waspletely outmatched by people with this kind of wealth and power.


    Steven registered her fear with quiet satisfaction and pressed his advantage.


    “Don’t delude yourself into thinking one night in bed gives you leverage. William is so far out of your league that you couldn’t reach him with adder. Once I walk out this door, you are going to erasest night from your memorypletely. Act as though it never happened.”


    Tears spilled down Alisha’s cheeks, equal parts humiliation and rage.


    “I wasn’t trying to use him. I do have feelings for Mr. Briggs, butst night really was an ident.”


    Steven let out a coldugh and took a few steps closer. “Alisha, I’ve had you investigated. Mediocre academic record, unremarkable family background, no particr aplishments. What on earth makes you believe you’re even remotely qualified to be with William? Let alone the fact that he has no feelings for you whatsoever.”


    Each wordnded like a blow, draining the remaining color from Alisha’s face. She had never imagined they would consider her so utterly beneath them.


    Steven regarded her with cold indifference. “If you have any sense of self-preservation, you’ll stay far away from both William and Ste. Don’t interfere with their rtionship.”


    Tremors ran through Alisha’s entire body. She lifted her tear-streaked face and met Steven’s gaze with sudden defiance, forcing each word out deliberately.


    “Why does everyone act as though Mr. Briggs belongs with Ste? Their rtionship can’t be that strong, orst night never would have happened. Since we already slept together, why shouldn’t they just break up?”


    Disgust and impatience flickered openly across Steven’s features.


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