Chapter 84

Stella frowned, confused. He wasn't the one she should be thanking?

Then who was?

Steven caught the look on her face but didn't offer an explanation. Instead, he just smiled slightly and said, "I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next."

She had no idea what he meant, but didn't push it. She'd already said her thank-yous,and pressing for more would just feel awkward.

With the partnership officially in place, she figured it was time to head to Briggs Group and update William.

Meanwhile, Marc had stormed out of the banquet hall, walked a good few hundred meters, and finally stopped. Frustrated, he

yanked out a cigarette, lit it, and let out a long drag.

There was no way he had mistaken her. That was Stella. Even if she pretended not to know him in front of everyone, he was sure of it.

But why was she acting like this?

Yeah, maybe he'd screwed up in the past,but he'd apologized.

He'd promised it wouldn't happen again.Couldn't she at least give him one more chance?

They were married for years. Did she really feel nothing-no shame, no regret-for humiliating him like that in public?

He rubbed the bridge of his nose, a wave of helplessness washing over him.

Not far behind, Haley stood fuming.

For the past six months, she'd given everything to Marc-risked cutting ties with her family, begged her father to support

Walsh Group, and endured it all. And now?With Stella back in the picture, she was shoved aside like an afterthought.

Why?!

Why was she always the runner-up? Why couldn't she ever outshine Stella?

She was furious, but she knew better than to take it out on Marc now.

Complaining would only push him further away.

What she wanted-what she needed-was to keep him close.

So if that meant helping him get Stella back,then so be it.

Haley took a few steadying breaths, walked up behind him, and said softly, "Marc, don't get too worked up. I know it's tough seeing Stella pretend she doesn't know you. But l think... I might have a way to get her back."

Marc turned to her, eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"What kind of game are you playing now,Haley?"

He didn't believe Haley would genuinely help him win Stella back.

She blinked innocently, tears welling up as she looked at him. "I'm not playing games.just want you to be happy."

That softened him a little. His voice lost its edge. "What's this plan of yours to bring Stella back?"

Haley gave a faint smile. "Think about it. In just six months, she's changed so much. She even locked in that big project with Steven.That kind of turnaround? She's gotta have someone backing her."

Marc's face darkened. He was ready to argue-Stella wouldn't get involved with someone else. But then he remembered her getting into William's car.

Haley went on, "And those tech solutions she mentioned? I'm sure some of that came from Walsh Group. She worked there, right? She

must've had access to confidential info. She probably used it to win Steven over."

The more she spoke, the more convinced she became that Stella hadn't done this all on her own.

Marc didn't want to believe she'd stoop to stealing, but he also couldn't fully believe she had the ability to pull it off solo.

So... if it wasn't theft, then what was it?

"Even if someone's behind her and she did use Walsh Group's data... how the hell does that help me get her back?" he muttered,frowning.

He didn't care about lawsuits or revenge. He just wanted her beside him again.

Haley stepped in closer, rising up on her toes to whisper in his ear. "Accuse her of stealing company secrets. That way, she'll face prison time."

Marc's eyes snapped wide open, shocked by what she'd just said.