?Chapter 363:


    Wilson blinked, stunned. “You speak Rhioyodash?”


    Aside from Shaun, it was the first time Wilson had met someone local who could speak Rhioyodash so well.


    “I learned it years ago,” Ste said with a small smile. “Bit rusty, though.”


    Wilson’s eyes widened in genuine surprise and admiration. After a brief pause, he excused himself with a polite nod, citing othermitments, and disappeared down the corridor with brisk, purposeful steps.


    Ste checked on the patient—still unconscious but stable—and spoke briefly with his assistant before nning to return to the research institute.


    “I’ll give you a ride,” Shaun offered casually as they stepped into the elevator.


    Ste nced at him. “No need, really. I can just grab a cab.”


    “This area at rush hour? Trust me, I’m heading in your direction anyway. Might as well save you the hassle.”


    She hesitated, then nodded. “All right. Thank you.”


    “It’s nothing.” Shaun drove himself—no driver, no unnecessary fuss. His driving was smooth, the ride quiet andfortable, just enough for her to rx.


    Half an hourter, they pulled up at the institute gates. Ste unbuckled her seatbelt and turned toward him. “Thanks for the ride. I’ll head up.”


    Shaun nodded with a calm, practiced smile. “Ms. Gilbert, don’t forget tomorrow’s exhibition. I’ll send you the time and e-ticket.”


    Ste offered a small nod. “All right.” She hadn’t cared much about the exhibition before, but she remembered seeing the ads—it was part of a prestigious national tour with strong reviews. Now that she had a reason to go, maybe it was worth checking out.


    As Shaun’s car pulled away, its taillights fading into the evening traffic, a lone figure stepped into view on the roadside.


    William had overheard every word of Shaun and Ste’s conversation. So that was why she’de homete—she’d been out to dinner with Shaun. A faint crease appeared between his brows. Now Rita’s offhandment about “needing to eat out tonight” made perfect sense. Ste was having dinner with another man—possibly even on a date. His jaw tightened as he dialed Luca’s number.


    “Find out what art exhibitions are on in Choria tomorrow,” he ordered.


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    Luca was baffled by the abrupt request but didn’t dare question it. A few minutester, his voice came through. “Mr. Briggs, there’s only one exhibition tomorrow. I’ve forwarded the details to your phone.”


    William’s phone buzzed. He flicked his eyes to the screen, scanned the message, and said without missing a beat, “Get me a ticket.”


    “Sir, it’s already sold out.”


    William’s lips pressed into a thin, forbidding line. “You mean I can’t get even one ticket?”


    Luca’s heart skipped a beat at the icy tone. He straightened instinctively. “Understood. I’ll handle it, Mr. Briggs.” William’s chill was enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.


    That evening, William found an invitation from the exhibition organizers waiting for him.


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