Chapter 920

Chapter 920:
William replied with his usual cool detachment, barely glancing at the vase. “No need,” he said.
His study, a sanctuary of sleek lines and muted tones, seemed entirely incompatible with something so delicate as flowers.
Lena watched silently as he retreated into the study and closed the door behind him without so much as a backward glance. A sharp pang pierced her chest.
He was always this distant, except for Stella. Lena had seen it countless times—the softness in his eyes, the way he indulged Stella, agreeing to every little whim. That favoritism cut deeper than Lena cared to admit, the sight of it chipping away at her pride and fueling a roiling storm of frustration and envy inside her.
Two weeks at the villa had given Lena plenty of time to observe. Stella, though devoted to William, often vanished for an hour or two, whisked away by urgent work at the lab.
Lena noticed the subtle dependence William placed on her—an intimacy and trust he showed no one else, leaving the world to see only the cold, commanding CEO of Briggs Group.
Watching him like this day after day, seeing his tenderness reserved for another, twisted Lena’s heart tighter.
That afternoon, Stella received an urgent call from the lab. Critical data demanded her personal review. She gently reminded William to take his medication, left Luca with careful instructions, and grabbed her bag, slipping out the door.
The villa settled into silence, broken only by the soft shuffle of maids tidying up. William focused on urgent emails in the study, with Luca standing silently nearby.
As Lena watched Stella’s car drive off, a calculating gleam appeared in her eyes.
She moved to the kitchen, her hands deftly preparing fresh pastries and brewing a cup of coffee.
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She had checked in advance. A small ingredient in the blend would lightly interact with William’s medication. It was not harmful, but enough to make him feel sleepier and dizzier.
Carrying the tray, Lena approached the study and knocked softly.
“Come in,” William’s deep voice called.
She entered with a bright, disarming smile, setting the tray carefully on the table. “Mr. Briggs, I made some coffee. It’s a soothing blend. I noticed you haven’t been sleeping well. Stella suggested it.”
William nearly declined instinctively, but mentioning Stella made him pause and accept.
He lifted his eyes briefly, meeting hers with a cool, measured glance. “Leave it there. Thanks.”
Lena didn’t move to leave. Instead, she poured a cup and handed it to him with a soft, concerned tone.
“You look exhausted. Drink it while it’s hot. Stella will worry if you don’t.”
William frowned slightly, clearly annoyed by the pause, but he took a brief sip and set the cup down. “That’s enough. Go take care of your work.”
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