Chapter 781

Chapter 781:
Nina’s heart stung at his indifference, but she forced a bright smile, reminding herself why she was here. Lifting her chin, she strode up confidently. “William, I came today to discuss something important with you!”
Her bold tone only made his brow tighten further. He didn’t bother to answer.
Nina bit her lip, steadied her breath, and plunged ahead. “You and I are both of marrying age. If the Carter family and the Briggs family joined through marriage, it would be a powerful alliance—beneficial to us both. My parents already approve. William, we could even arrange a family dinner to set a wedding date.”
William’s frown deepened. Marriage alliance? His eyes turned razor-sharp, and his voice cut like ice. “Miss Carter, you’re mistaken.”
That frigid gaze pierced her, freezing her smile in place.
“My marriage is mine alone to decide. And the Briggs family doesn’t need some so-called ‘alliance’ to boost its prestige.”
His expression darkened, his tone merciless. “I don’t have any feelings for you—other than those of ordinary colleagues. So please, Miss Carter, and your family as well, let go of this ridiculous fantasy.”
The words struck like heavy blows.
Nina’s face drained of color. The smile she had carefully practiced collapsed into raw humiliation. She had thought the Carter name, paired with the benefits of such a match, would at least make William hesitate. She never imagined he would dismiss her so coldly.
“Why?” Her voice cracked, sharp with desperation. Her composure broke. “William, how am I any less than Stella? I’m the heiress of the Carter family. Does she have better looks than I do?”
She truly couldn’t understand. Stella had always denied having any relationship with William.
Nina had even investigated—discovering that Stella resented the Briggs family to the core. Though she still hadn’t uncovered who killed Stella’s adoptive parents, she was sure it was tied to the Briggs family. That meant Stella and William should have been enemies.
And yet… he still chose Stella over her?
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William’s expression hardened instantly, his voice steely. “Miss Carter, watch your mouth. You have no right to judge Stella.”
Nina’s eyes brimmed with tears, her body trembling from the force of his rejection.
His voice grew colder. “For your own good, don’t speak that way again. Next time, I won’t be this patient.”
Her throat tightened. She choked out, her voice trembling with bitterness, “You love Stella that much? Even if she avoids you, even if she doesn’t return your feelings—you still love her? Is she really that much better than me?”
William didn’t flinch. His voice was unwavering, every word dripping with protectiveness. “She is extraordinary. Whether she loves me back or not isn’t for me to decide. But none of this concerns you.”
The dismissal was final. He cut off every last tie, leaving her with nothing. Yes, he had fallen for Stella—helplessly, irreversibly. No matter who she loved or hated, he was willing to bear it all. Nina had no place in this. He owed her nothing.
Tears spilled down Nina’s cheeks. “But my feelings for you are real! Wouldn’t marrying me be better than chasing after Stella?”
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