?Chapter 383:


    Doreen stood frozen, caught off guard by the sharpness in Ste’s tone. She couldn’te up with a single word to defend herself.


    Tears gathered in her eyes as she clutched Marc’s sleeve like a lifeline, looking pitiful and helpless.


    Marc finally opened his mouth, stepping into the fire. “Stel,e on, that’s enough. Doreen didn’t mean anything by it.”


    Ste’s eyes narrowed as she gave him a chilling stare. “Control your woman, Marc. Because if she speaks out of turn again, I won’t be so civil next time.”


    Marc’s pride took a direct hit. Ste wasn’t backing down, and now all eyes were on them—including strangers stepping out of the nearby restaurant. The embarrassment stung.


    “You’re overreacting,” Marc said sharply. “Doreen only brought it up because you’re always seen with different guys. You really don’t care what kind of message that sends?”


    That did it. Without hesitation, Ste pped him across the face. “Say one more disgusting thing, and I swear I’ll go straight to the police. I’ll record it, post it, and let the whole world see. Think I won’t?”


    She gave Elbert a subtle nod to move along. Wasting another second on these two just wasn’t worth it.


    As Jamir passed by, he didn’t bother hiding his contempt. “People see in others what they’re guilty of themselves,” he muttered.


    Still shaken, Doreen only managed to nce at Marc once Ste was gone.


    “Are you alright, Mr. Walsh?” she asked nervously.


    Marc jerked his arm away, his face unreadable but clearly annoyed.


    Tears spilled down Doreen’s cheeks as she choked out an apology. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. I was just… worried about Ste. I know you still care about her, and I got upset on your behalf. I wasn’t thinking. Please forgive me.”


    Her voice trembled with sincerity, and her worried eyes never left Marc’s face. Her pitiful expression chipped away at Marc’s frustration. She’d said all that out of concern for him. In a world full of clever women, one so guileless—even if a bit silly—was strangely rare.


    “I’m fine. Let’s go,” he said curtly, rubbing his stinging cheek as he guided her back inside.


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    But Marc wasn’t about to let things slide. First William, then Shaun—and now a new guy? Whoever that man was, he was going to find out. Ste had nock of admirers, and it drove him crazy.


    Leaning against Elbert’s shoulder, Sandra nced over her shoulder. “Ugh, men are the worst. They’ve got someone right next to them and still look around. So gross.”


    Elbert sighed under his breath. “Do you have to keep poking at it?” He knew Ste had already had enough for one night, and Sandra just couldn’t help making it worse.


    Oddly enough, Ste wasn’t upset anymore. She just found it… predictable. Not all rtionshipssted. People naturally drifted apart. Switched partners. It happened all the time.


    Since they weren’t headed the same way, Ste chose to head out first. Before leaving, she looked at Sandra. “Text me once you get home, alright? Just so I know you’re safe.”


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