?Chapter 390:


    Paul looked slightly startled by her answer.


    To him, it didn’t quite add up. William had stepped in for Ste more than once—whether it was the Allen issue or the recentpetition. It was rare for William to get involved in anything personal, and yet here he was.


    From what Paul had observed, William clearly treated Ste differently than others.


    Ste let out a quiet sigh in her heart. If only she could tell them the truth—that William simply wasn’t into women, and there was no chance of anything between them.


    But she didn’t feel it was her ce to expose his personal life. “Mr. Hoffman, I promise I’m not trying to interfere in his rtionship with Miss Lawson. I have no such feelings for him. I know this is awkward for you, and I’ll be more mindful moving forward,” Ste said, sounding as sincere and determined as someone pledging herself to a mission.


    Paul opened his mouth, but nothing came out. This wasn’t the response he’d expected at all.


    Ste waited a beat. When it was clear he had nothing more to add, she rose from her seat. “Alright then, I’ll get back to work if that’s all.” After all, she still hadb work waiting.


    Paul finally snapped out of his thoughts and muttered a faint “Oh” while watching her walk out briskly.


    As Ste stepped out, she almost ran straight into William, who wasing from the opposite end of the hallway.


    Remembering what Paul had just told her, she quickly looked away and walked past him without saying a word. Before William could react, she had already gone.


    Meanwhile, William remained where he was, hands in his pockets, silently watching her go. He had heard every word she’d said in Paul’s office, and now, her silence said even more. No feelings for him? Not even a hint?


    He frowned, her words looping in his head like a stubborn curse. Damn it. Why was he letting a single sentence mess with him like this?


    After work, William didn’t head home. He went straight to Steven’s.


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    Steven had been buried in a work projecttely and hadn’t followed whatever drama was going on between William and Ste.


    So when William showed up unannounced, it definitely threw him.


    “William? What brings you here?” Steven asked, surprised.


    William didn’t bother with pleasantries. He shot Steven a strange look and said bluntly, “We’re drinking. I’ve already reserved a private room.”


    He grabbed Steven’s wrist and tugged him forward before Steven could even react.


    “Hey—wait! I’ve got work to finish today. I can’t just go drinking right now.” Today was a tight deadline. If Steven didn’t submit everything on time, the deal he was working on would copse.


    William clicked his tongue in frustration, shooting him a look full of silent protest.


    Realizing he wouldn’t let him off the hook today, Steven sighed and threw his hands up. “Fine, I’lle, but I’m bringing myptop with me.” He wasn’t giving up the nightpletely. That was his condition.


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