?Chapter 387:


    “Why not?” She didn’t think of herself as someone who needed protection. She was perfectly capable of handling this with or without William tagging along.


    William could only sigh inwardly, feeling slightly helpless.


    She hadn’t said a word to him before heading to the mountaintop warehouse, and now, even with something they had decided on together, she still didn’t want to involve him. Did she really dislike having him around that much?


    “Don’t you think Nixon’s men might be watching you? They probably know about your trip to that warehouse. For all you know, they’re waiting for you to reach out to the victims, nning something in the shadows.” A small chill ran down Ste’s spine.


    She realized she hadn’t thought that part through. After a moment’s pause, she muttered, “Then I’ll ask Shaun toe with me.”


    The mention of Shaun made William’s face harden. She’d rather go with Shaun than him? “You’ve got someone willing to help right in front of you, and yet you’d rather go find someone else? Don’t you think that’s a bit unnecessary?”


    Ste’sshes fluttered slightly. He had a girlfriend now, and she knew they were likely to marry someday. It wasn’t her ce to interfere. She understood where the boundariesy.


    “Mr. Briggs, I really do appreciate your offer,” she said sincerely. “But I don’t want to trouble you. I’ve got ab session on Wednesday, and Saturday’s the only day I’m free—but you’ve already said you can’t make it.”


    By attributing it to a scheduling issue, she made it difficult for William to say anything more.


    Still, William couldn’t shake the difort settling in his chest.


    After dinner, as Ste settled the bill, she caught sight of William walking out of the restaurant. He didn’t even nce back.


    She paused mid-motion, momentarily stunned. What on earth had upset him this time? Quickly catching up to him outside, she asked in confusion, “Mr. Briggs, was the food not to your liking?” She had spent a decent sum on that meal, and personally, she thought it had tasted pretty good.


    Just hearing her speak made William’s expression tighten. He gave her a brief nce and muttered, “Delightful.”


    ???????? ???????? ?????????????? ???? gal????ν??????﹒?????


    That was all. Then, without another word, he stepped off the curb, opened the door to his ck Bentley, slid in, and shut it behind him with finality.


    Ste stood there, confused and a little stunned. She had no idea what she had said that upset him. After a moment, she gged down a taxi and headed home in silence.


    Once she got home, Ste sat down at her desk and carefully mapped out her n to visit the victim’s family thating Saturday.


    Since she was taking this step, she sincerely hoped they’d be willing to stand with her—to speak out and testify.


    She stayed up workingte into the night, finally finishing the documents around two in the morning. When she looked at her phone and saw the time, she let out a tired sigh, quickly took a shower, and headed to bed.


    She remembered she should call Shaun, but realizing it was toote now, she made a mental note to talk to him tomorrow.


    .


    .


    .