?Chapter 369:


    She wasn’t stingy by nature, and since Shaun was offering her work, it only felt right to thank him properly.


    Shaun let out a softugh. “Well then, I won’t turn down such a thoughtful offer.” He didn’t mind spending a little more time with her either.


    As they walked away from the construction site, Ste started browsing restaurant options on her phone. Each ce had good reviews, but she had no clue what Shaun liked. So, she handed him her phone and asked directly, “What kind of food do you like, Mr. Smith?”


    Hearing her call him that again, Shaun gave a small sigh and said with a hint of teasing, “Don’t you think that sounds a bit too formal?”


    Ste wouldn’t have noticed anything amiss if Shaun hadn’t brought it up. But now that he had, the meaning was clear. “So… I should just call you Shaun from now on?”


    He let out an easyugh. “That’s right. And I’ll call you Syl. You’re okay with that, aren’t you?”


    The question caught her off guard. Ste hesitated, her lips pressing together, unsure how to answer without it sounding awkward.


    Shaun either didn’t notice or didn’t care. With a breezy nce at her phone, he pointed out a nearby restaurant. “How about some cheese fondue, Syl? Sound good?”


    It was just a short walk away, and Ste, not in the mood to get behind the wheel, ended up strolling alongside Shaun down the sidewalk.


    As dinnertime neared, the za around the shopping center pulsed with life. Shaun, always attentive, steered Ste with a protective hand through the evening crowd.


    At the mall entrance, Ste brushed aside the curtain and, with one step, spotted William stepping off the elevator—Willow trailing at his side.


    Shaun caught sight of them instantly, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “Mr. Briggs. Fancy meeting you here.”


    William’s brow creased, his distaste for that tired phrase obvious.


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    He ignored Shaun entirely, fixing his attention on Ste instead.


    Ste felt unsettled by the intensity of William’s stare. Was he upset she’d uncovered his secret?


    Willow lingered at William’s side, her gaze flickering between Shaun and Ste before she broke the silence. “William, are these friends of yours?”


    “No,” William’s answer was icy.


    Shaun responded with a wounded pout. “Mr. Briggs, you really do live up to your reputation. Still, since fate threw us together, why not join us? Syl and I were just about to grab some cheese fondue.”


    At the mention of “Syl,” William felt a sharp stab of jealousy. Since when had they gotten so close? He could count the number of times they’d met on one hand—how had they be so close so quickly?


    Willow, quick to read the tension in William’s face, stepped in before he could say anything. “Thank you, but we already have a reservation.”


    Shaun only smiled, unfazed. “Then enjoy your dinner. It’s not every day you get to dine with such charmingpany. We’ll clear out of your way. Take care, Mr. Briggs.”


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