?Chapter 523:

    William’s gazended on Ste, and for a beat, he was silent.

    The soft curve of her shoulders, her corbone dusted with light from the chandelier, the red gemstone ne sitting perfectly at her throat—it was as if the dress had been made just for her.

    Elegant, graceful… but with just enough allure to stop time.

    Sharon noticed it right away—that look in his eyes.

    She leaned forward with a knowing smile. “Stel, your outfits match perfectly. You two look like you came here as a couple!”

    Ste blinked, then nced down at William’s suit. The dark green was subtle, almost hidden in the light—but still.

    She frowned. Red and green totally shed. How was this matching?

    “His fabric isn’t even close to mine. There’s no way this is a matching set.”

    William’s jaw tightened ever so slightly. Her eagerness to distance herself from him hit harder than he’d expected. Still, his face gave nothing away.

    “You’re right,” he said coolly, ying along.

    Sharon wanted to scream. She’d spent days lining this up, and they were acting like kids at opposite ends of the yground.

    William looked around the venue, scanning the crowd. “Ms. Mitchell, didn’t you mention a mystery guest tonight? I don’t see anyone particrly mysterious.”

    Sharon gave him a look, then tilted her head toward Ste. Ste was standing there, looking so stunning. Didn’t he think she was mysterious?

    William followed her gaze but still looked confused.

    Ste was just as puzzled. “What mystery guest?” she asked, turning to him. She was here to apany Sharon for inspection, not having heard anything about a mysterious guest.

    Sharon watched the two of them finally talking—even if they were confused—and jumped on the chance. “Why don’t you two sit down?” she said brightly.

    “It’s exhausting to stand around in heels.”

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    And maybe, if they sat next to each other, some sparks would actually fly.

    William wouldn’t remain unaffected with such beauty sitting beside him. Before they could say no, she ushered them onto the velvet sofa and practically bolted. “I’ll get you both something to drink—just talk, okay?” She didn’t even ask what they wanted.

    Ste stared after her, bewildered. “I didn’t even tell her what I wanted.” She shook her head, then turned back to William. “So, this mysterious guest… is it someone tied to Briggs Group or the research institute?”

    When Ste posed her question, William narrowed his eyes, his expression turning grave.

    “The Briggs Group is eyeing a partnership with a firm from Osnuria. They specialize in cutting-edge tech and have ties to the research institute. If we can impress them with our results, there’s a real chance they’ll partner up with both the institute and the Briggs Group for a venture that could be extremely lucrative.”

    Ste’s eyes widened slightly. Until now, the research institute and Briggs Group had always operated independently. But this? This could fuse their strengths for the first time. And from the look in William’s eyes, it was clear that he wanted this alliance badly.

    “Mr. Briggs, can I be part of this project?” she asked, her voice firm with resolve. “If it’s about results, I’ll deliver perfection.” In theb, she never flinched from a challenge.

    William looked her in the eye. “This isn’t a walk in the park. Thepetition is cutthroat, with internationalpanies already circling. We’re up against some of the biggest names in the field. Are you sure you’re up to it?”

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