?Chapter 1741:


    Steven rose from his seat and approached Ste, raking a hand through his hair as if searching for the right words. “Ste, I know it might sound hollowing from me right now. But as William’s friend, I’m asking you — give him one more chance. Just until the day after tomorrow.”


    Ste’s eyes lifted to meet his. “Why?” Her hope had already burned out. What difference could two more days possibly make?


    “The DNA test results will be ready by then,” Steven exined. “If Alisha’s blood genuinely contains William’s DNA, we won’t argue anymore. But if it doesn’t, it proves nothing happened between them — and that child can’t be his.”


    Ste lowered her gaze, her longshes casting faint shadows beneath her tired eyes. She remained silent for a long moment, the air growing still and heavy around them.


    When she finally spoke, her voice was slow and thoughtful. “What exactly are you afraid of that made youe here?”


    ???????? ????????????t ??????????????р????o??? ???? ????????????е????.с????


    Steven and Jewell froze, not quite grasping her meaning.


    “I know you’re his friends. You want to help him,” she continued calmly. “If you’re worried I’ll abandon the antidote for his condition once we separate — don’t be. I always keep my promises.” She stood and moved toward the window, turning her back to them. “Even if we go our separate ways, I’ll still finish the antidote and deliver it to him. Does that put your minds at ease?”


    Steven realized at once that she had misread their intentions entirely. “That’s not why we’re here,” he said quickly, anxiety creeping into his voice. “We just — we don’t want the two of you to lose each other.” Everyone who had witnessed their journey together understood the depth of what they had shared.


    Walking away so easily felt like a waste. And who was Alisha to decide that they should simply give up on each other?


    “Sometimes letting go is kinder than staying and tearing each other apart,” Ste said, her tone cool and final. “You should leave.”


    Sharon crossed her arms, her expression sharp. “You heard her. It’s time for you to go.”


    Steven and Jewell lingered where they stood, watching Ste’s retreating figure with a heavy sense of powerlessness settling in their chests.


    Just before reaching the door, Jewell turned back for onest attempt. “Ms. Russell, the day after tomorrow isn’t far away. If the results prove William innocent and you walk away now — won’t you regret it? Ask yourself honestly. Are you certain you won’t?”


    Ste paused for a fraction of a second, her silhouette wavering slightly, yet she did not turn around.


    Steven stepped forward as well, urgency clear in his voice. “William is barely holding himself together. He had another episode today — his study’s been wrecked more than once. He knows you’re nothing like what Arlo imed, and he’s fighting against those distorted memories. He hasn’t given up on you.”


    Slowly, Ste turned back toward them. Her eyes were rimmed with red, thest of her resistance finally softening.


    “Fine. I’ll wait until the day after tomorrow. But if the results show he truly was involved with Alisha, don’te back asking me to reconsider. Just let me have my peace.”


    Relief washed visibly over Steven and Jewell.


    .


    .


    .


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!