?Chapter 73:


    Nathalia refused to believe that William didn’t feel anything for her. No—he had to. He was just too stubborn to admit it. If she pushed a little harder, maybe he’d stop pretending to be so distant. But the moment she leaned in, her lips barely brushing his, William’s eyes widened. In a sh, his hand came up to block her.


    Nathalia ended up kissing his hand. She froze. The next second, he pushed her back.


    “Miss Fuller, get a grip on yourself.”


    Just one sentence—but it hit her harder than a p. She’d already thrown away her pride to take the first step. And still… he wouldn’t even waver? Her body swayed slightly, and the tears she’d been holding back started to fall one by one.


    William didn’t even spare her another look. He turned and walked away. But just as he rounded the corner, he stopped. On the floory a familiar hair tie—blue, with a little star on it.


    He bent down and picked it up, dusting it off with his thumb. He recognized it instantly. Ste’s.


    He’d teased her once about it—wasn’t it too childish for her? Yet somehow, it suited her perfectly. Only Ste could pull off something so silly-looking and still make it seem natural. He stared at it for a beat longer than necessary, then tucked it into his pocket. Something about it tugged at his heart.


    That night, Ste showered, dried her hair, and curled up under the covers. Her thoughts wandered back to the scene she’d identally witnessed earlier. William and Nathalia… standing so close. From her angle, it really did look like they were kissing. She buried her face in the nket and sighed. “Can’t those two be a little more discreet?”


    The next morning, Ste arrived early for breakfast. The cafeteria was still mostly empty, so she picked a quiet spot and began eating. Halfway through, a familiar pair of clean, ck shoes stopped right in front of her. She didn’t need to look up to know who it was. William.


    He sat down across from her, and her whole body stiffened. Why did he choose this table when there were literally dozens of empty ones?


    Was he out of his mind?


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    What she didn’t know was that, in his head, it made perfect sense—they were in the same group. Might as well eat together and head out afterward.


    But Ste didn’t consider that. All she saw was Nathalia walking into the room. Without a second thought, she grabbed her tray and bolted as if she had just spotted a ghost. She didn’t want any part of their love triangle drama.


    William’s brow twitched. He hadn’t even said anything.


    Watching him now, sitting alone, Nathalia made her move. She grabbed her tray, walked over, and asked sweetly, “Mind if I sit here?”


    William said nothing, so she sat.


    She noticed his tray was mostly greens. Trying to seem considerate, she picked up her untouched chicken leg and moved her fork toward his te.


    William blocked it without hesitation. “Miss Fuller,” he said calmly, “this is a research institute. I suggest you focus more on your work. And please—don’t worry about my meals.” With that, he stood up and left, tray in hand.


    Nathalia was left sitting there alone, her appetite gone. Her eyes trailed across the cafeteria until she spotted Ste at another table. She clenched her fists, then got up and headed straight toward her.


    Ste was feeling pretty proud of herself for dodging disaster, until Nathalia sat down across from her. She braced herself, forcing a polite smile.


    Nathalia, trying to lookposed, said, “Ms. Russell, I hope you won’t cling to William. He and I just have a few unresolved issues. That’s no excuse for you to take advantage.”


    Ste blinked. Was this woman serious? Which eye of hers had seen Ste “clinging” to anyone?


    She calmly set down her fork and cleared her throat. “Miss Fuller, let me say this clearly: I have no interest in William. I’m here to work, not flirt with someone else’s ex. I barely have time to sleep, let alone deal with jealousy games.”


    Nathalia’s expression hardened, but she wasn’t giving up. “You don’t need to pretend with me. I know you’re just trying to get his attention.”


    Ste rolled her eyes so hard they nearly fell out. “Your rtionship problems are not my responsibility. I’ve kept everything with him strictly professional. If you don’t like seeing us talk, maybe you should request a transfer.”


    She had done her best to steer clear of the drama, but Nathalia seemed hell-bent on dragging her in. They were all part of the same research institute, and she couldn’t just run away every time she saw William, could she?


    “If it’s not you chasing him…” Nathalia sneered, “are you suggesting he’s chasing you?”


    Compared to what Ste had said, Nathalia found it even harder to believe that William would be the one pursuing her.


    Ste didn’t bother exining any further. What was the point? Love had a way of making people irrational.


    “Believe what you want, Miss Fuller,” she said with a small smile. “Enjoy your meal. I’m done here.”


    Back in her dorm room, Ste flopped onto her bed with a heavy sigh. She rubbed her temple, then reached for her phone, hoping a mindless scroll through social media would help her dpress. But the moment she unlocked the screen, a new notification lit up at the top. A message from William, sent ten minutes ago. She sat up abruptly, blinking in disbelief.


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