Chapter 1421:
The car door swung open and clicked shut, leaving behind only the delicate trace of Stella’s perfume lingering in the cabin.
Josie watched until Stella disappeared through the villa’s gate, then released a long, resigned sigh.
She couldn’t fathom how everything had spiraled to this point. All she could hope for now was that Stella would escape further harm and somehow find her way back to happiness.
Over the following week, Stella played the role of the obedient captive flawlessly, remaining at the villa without a single attempt at escape. She shared meals with William each evening, the conversation flowing with surprising ease, and she even cracked jokes that drew rare smiles from him.
William watched this transformation unfold with emotions he couldn’t quite untangle.
He honored his promise and kept his distance, never touching her without explicit permission.
Their relationship appeared to be finding steadier ground.
One afternoon, Steven’s call broke through the quiet—he needed William at the office immediately.
It was supposed to be a day off. William had stationed himself by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, a book resting in his hands, while Stella occupied the sofa across the room, absorbed in whatever played across the television screen.
They didn’t disturb each other, yet somehow shared a quiet companionship.
As William rose to leave, Stella’s voice cut through the silence. “Are you heading out? Could I come with you? I’m going stir-crazy cooped up here. I need to get out and move around a bit.”
William turned toward her, catching the unmistakable gleam of anticipation and plea flickering in her bright eyes.
His voice remained level, betraying nothing. “I’m just heading to the office.”
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This wasn’t some leisurely trip to an amusement park.
“I know that. I’ll stick right by your side and won’t wander off anywhere. I promise!”
She raised her hand in a solemn oath, her expression so earnest that William found himself nodding before he could reconsider.
Eventually, he relented and brought her along to Briggs Group headquarters.
Luca’s jaw nearly dropped when he spotted Stella and William arriving together, side by side.
For a fleeting moment, Luca felt transported back in time, convinced that William and Stella had somehow mended what had shattered between them.
William guided Stella into his expansive office, and she settled quietly onto the leather sofa without a word.
“I have a meeting I need to attend. If you get bored sitting here, Luca can give you a tour of the building.”
Besides, her amnesia meant she wouldn’t recognize the layout or remember anything about the place anyway.
Stella offered a light nod of acknowledgment, but the instant William disappeared through the door, she sprang to her feet and made straight for his desk.
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