?Chapter 67:


    Ste wanted to vanish from sheer embarrassment until she realized he had been wearing pants the whole time.


    So… she’dpletely misunderstood the situation.


    Pressed against his chest, she could hear his steady heartbeat—calm, firm, andpletely opposite to her own, which was racing like crazy.


    From this close, she picked up the clean, faint scent of his body wash. It wasn’t overpowering—just smooth and refined, like it belonged to him.


    William reached over her to grab his clothes, and when he finally stepped back, Ste felt like she could breathe again, as if light had returned to the room.


    She quickly stepped back, this time carefully.


    “I’ll wait outside, Mr. Briggs. Just let me know when you’re done,” she said, then turned and walked out without ncing back.


    Outside, she exhaled deeply, patting her chest as if trying to calm her nerves. That had been way too much for one day.


    About ten minutester, William stepped out, perfectly dressed and once again looking like the cool, collected version of himself.


    “Mr. Briggs, we’re scheduled to collect some samples outside. Shall we go now?” Ste asked, putting on her professional tone.


    William gave a small nod and began walking beside her, his pace steady and purposeful.


    Compared to before, he seemedpletely unbothered now.


    As she followed his tall, straight figure, Ste thought maybe he hadn’t taken the earlier awkward moment seriously after all.


    While her nerves were still tight, William seemedpletely calm, as if nothing had shaken him at all.


    This was their first official assignment at the research institute, and thankfully, collecting the samples turned out to be pretty easy. In about an hour, they were done and headed back.


    With the day’s work wrapped up, everyone at the institute gathered for dinner in the cafeteria.


    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination


    As usual, gossip filled the room. Someone whispered, “Did you hear? There’s still one more person who hasn’t shown up for the project.” Ste looked up curiously, wondering who they were talking about.


    “Apparently, it’s some genius who studied overseas. And get this—rumor has it she and Mr. Briggs had a thing. Maybe she’s avoidinging here to skip the drama,” the gossip continued.


    That surprised Ste. She had always thought someone like William wouldn’t be interested in romance.


    The person added, “They say there’s still something going on between them. Like maybe neither of them has moved on.”


    Ste looked down, poking at her food, suddenly feeling a little guilty. Even though what happened earlier wasn’t intentional, it seemed like she might’ve caused some trouble for William.


    Maybe she should find a moment to apologize once dinner was over.


    With that thought, she finished her meal a little faster, but then she heard footsteps and voices approaching from the hallway.


    Looking up, Ste saw a graceful-looking woman, surrounded by a few people, walking past them. They were carrying bags—it looked like she had just arrived.


    Strangely, Ste had a feeling—no proof, just a gut instinct—that this was the woman from the rumors. The one William liked.


    Although she’d never seen her before, something told her it had to be her. Ste kept watching as the woman walked away, her eyes lingering on her back for a long while.


    It was a pity she hadn’t gotten a look at the woman’s face—just her silhouette. “If Mr. Briggs likes her, she must be really stunning,” someone nearbymented.


    “I honestly thought he didn’t have feelings for anyone,” another person chimed in. “Every time I look at him, it’s like staring at an ice statue. Who would’ve thought he’s actually been carrying a torch for someone this whole time? That’s some real dedication.”


    Ste quietly held her fork, her gaze drifting over to William, who was sitting calmly at another table.


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