?Chapter 498:

    “Your art has such a distinct energy, Adolf. I’m sure people will really connect with it. Keep going, and don’t let anything stop you!”

    Ste’s kind words lit up Adolf’s face. Feeling pumped, he invited them both to dinner, unable to hide his enthusiasm.

    But before Ste could respond, Shaun chimed in with a grin, “You’ve gotta make a reservation to dine with thisdy, Adolf. I beat you to it today, so next time, act faster.”

    Adolf gave Shaun a light punch to the arm, halfughing and half-exasperated at his shamelessness.

    As they walked away from Adolf’s studio, Ste turned to Shaun curiously. “Mr. Smith, are you two old friends?”

    Shaun chuckled and shook his head. “Would you believe me if I told you we’ve only known each other a week?”

    Ste blinked in surprise. “Seriously? You two act like you go way back.”

    Shaun shrugged, his usual easygoing grin still in ce. “You don’t need years to click with someone, Syl. Sometimes, a week’s enough to tell if someone’s good friend material. Anything longer is just dragging things out.”

    Ste fell quiet, reflecting on his words.

    Maybe that was why Shaun started calling her “Syl” so quickly, without hesitation.

    Maybe he was just naturally warm and open, while she had been too guarded to notice his friendly nature.

    Shaun tilted his head slightly and shot her a cheeky smile. “Feel like grabbing something to eat?”

    Considering how much Shaun had done for hertely, Ste figured she owed him a proper thank-you.

    She said, “There’s a mall just up the road. Let’s go see what they’ve got.” Shaun, ever agreeable, didn’t argue and simply followed along as she led the way toward the mall.

    But just as they neared the mall, a sudden uproar caught Ste’s attention. She turned toward the source of the noise and spotted a crowd forming, most likely around the scene of a car ident.

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    Her first reaction was to avoid it entirely, but something about the parked car with its hazard lights blinking drew her in. As she approached, a chill ran down her spine. She recognized the license te instantly—it was William’s Bentley. Her heart pounded as she rushed forward, eyes locking onto the inted airbags pressed against the driver’s seat. William’s head was slumped behind them, barely visible.

    Panic surged. Her voice trembled as she turned to Shaun. “Call 911. Now.” Without hesitation, Ste darted to the driver’s side.

    “William! Wake up!” she cried.

    Her chest tightened with dread, her pulse thudding in her ears.

    She had no idea where he might be hurt and didn’t dare move him in case it made things worse.

    William stirred, his eyes fluttering open. When he saw her panicked face, he weakly lifted a hand and ced it over hers. “I’m okay… don’t worry…” he murmured.

    Even now, half-conscious, he was trying to reassure her? Ste felt a lump rise in her throat.

    Thankfully, the ambnce arrived quickly and whisked him away to the hospital in under ten minutes.

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