?Chapter 26:


    Ste had been determined to earn her spot on the project team through her skills, not by relying on her looks to take an easier path.


    When Samuel finished introducing everyone in theb, William said nothing, but a subtle shift in his expression hinted at a change of mind.


    The next morning arrived with golden sunlight spilling across the study. Ste stirred on the stiff bed, stretched, and checked her phone. There was a new assignment from the institute.


    She quickly washed up and nced at the dress she’d worn the night before, mentally noting tounder it before passing it along to Lainey.


    By the time she reached the institute, William’s assistant, Luca Chadwick, was already waiting. As the elevator doors slid open, he stepped forward to greet her.


    “Good morning, Ms. Russell. I’m Mr. Briggs’ assistant. You can call me Luca,” he said with a warm tone. “The project kicks off in five days, and we’re forming groups so the team members can get familiar with each other. There’s an opening to assist Mr. Briggs with document handling, and I think you’d be great at it.”


    Document handling?


    Ste’s brow furrowed faintly. Wasn’t that usually an assistant’s job or something a secretary handled?


    Why offer her a task that didn’t align with her field of study?


    After pausing to consider, she asked, “Will I only be organizing documents, or are there additional responsibilities involved?”


    Luca gave a reassuring smile. “You’ll also support Mr. Briggs directly, helping him with whatever taskse up.”


    That would mean spending more time around William.


    Given how things had gone yesterday, she wasn’t sure that was a good idea. Who knew what he might assume if she agreed?


    So after a few seconds of thought, Ste politely declined. “Thanks, but I don’t think this position suits me. I’d rather be assigned to another group with my peers.”


    Luca was caught off guard.


    The role was low-pressure, and working beside William came with advantages. Most people would have epted instantly, but Ste had declined.


    “I really think this role matches your strengths, Ms. Russell. You could try it out, and if it’s not working, we’ll make a change,” he said, hoping she’d reconsider.


    Ste simply smiled and shook her head. “I appreciate it, but I’d prefer someone else take the role—someone better suited for it.”


    With that, she turned and walked off in the direction of the other workgroups.


    Luca stood there, watching her retreat,pletely at a loss.


    As he stood there, unsure how to break the news to William, a tall silhouette drew near, voice low andmanding, “Is everything settled?”


    Luca’s shoulders slumped. “Mr. Briggs, Ms. Russell turned down the offer to join our group.”


    He braced himself for a scolding, lowering his gaze. But the harsh response never came.


    Instead, William let out a quiet chuckle. “Smart girl.”


    Luca blinked, uncertain he’d heard correctly. “Mr. Briggs…”


    “Forget it,” William said casually, already walking away.


    Luca remained baffled. But since William didn’t seem bothered, he figured there was no reason to dwell on it either.


    Meanwhile, Ste was knee-deep in project tasks with the rest of her team.


    Breaks were rare, and time slipped by quickly.


    With the officialunch fast approaching, every detail had to be finalized, which only meant more work.


    “Ste, we just wrapped up today’s data. Can you drop it off with Mr. Briggs?” one of her teammates asked.


    William held the final say on everything. Without his approval, nothing could move forward. Each team had to submit their data to him for review.


    Though his looks were striking, his cold, unapproachable presence made everyone hesitant to deal with him. So, naturally, the responsibilitynded on Ste.


    ncing around and seeing her teammates still upied, Ste decided to go.


    But when she arrived at his office, he was nowhere to be found.


    “He left? Where did he head off to?” she asked, brows furrowing.


    “Yeah, but I think he’s still heading to the underground parking garage. If you’re quick, you’ll catch him,” someone replied.


    The files had to be reviewed today. Any dy would throw off tomorrow’s schedule.


    Ste didn’t think twice. She turned around and raced toward the elevator. Once outside, she stood at the institute’s exit, knowing every car had to pass through here.


    Momentster, William’s sleek ck Bentley rolled into view. Ste stepped up to the curb and waved, hoping to g it down.


    But the vehicle kept moving.


    Flustered, she realized she had no choice. The review was urgent. Taking a bold step forward, Ste nted herself right in front of the car.


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