?Chapter 103:


    The following morning, Ste headed to Neb to officially start her new role.


    Her sudden promotion had caught many off guard, but after sessfully negotiating two high-stakes deals, even the most skeptical staff now greeted her with genuine respect.


    Both coborations were on track, and with the research institute experiencing a lull, her only responsibilities there were a handful of minor tasks she could handle remotely between meetings.


    Once she’d finished double-checking every document, Ste rolled her stiff shoulders, Steven’s uing business trip shing through her mind.


    Determined to stay ahead, she made a mental note to sort the project files early and wrap up the handover before he left town.


    Despite how smoothly her career was running, Ste’s mood at home had taken a nosedive.


    Ever since Rita moved into the vi, Ste’s evenings had turned into impromptu cooking lessons.


    Unfortunately, Rita’s progress was cial—her age showing in every halting attempt—and her cooking somehow managed to get worse by the day.


    Ste had lost count of the failed dishes, sighing more than once at the thought that Rita simply wasn’t built for kitchen work.


    Sometimes, she even wondered if William had sent Rita just to give her a hard time.


    That evening, as if determined to test her patience, William requested spicy food once again.


    Resigned, Ste exchanged a look with Rita before stepping up to handle the cooking herself.


    “Ms. Russell, let me help you!” Rita’s eyes sparkled with her usual eagerness, already hovering at Ste’s side.


    Pausing, Ste recalled the time Rita’s “help” had almost ended in disaster—a scorched pot and smoke rms ring.


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    “Rita, why don’t you just handle the veggies tonight?” she suggested gently. “I’ll take care of everything else.”


    Rita’s enthusiasm didn’t falter; she shot Ste a cheerful thumbs-up and eagerly rolled up her sleeves. “You got it!”


    When thest ingredient was finally prepped, Rita sidled closer, brimming with hopeful anticipation. “Ms. Russell, maybe I could try cooking this time?”


    Instantly on alert, Ste felt as if she were bracing forbat. She steered Rita gently but firmly toward the kitchen door. “That’s sweet of you, but I’ve got it covered. Just rx.”


    Rita faltered, a flush creeping up her cheeks. “Sorry, Ms. Russell. I guess cooking’s just not my thing.”


    Ste offered her a gentle, reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it, really. You did your best.”


    But in truth, with William being the one who’d hired Rita, Ste couldn’t exactly send her packing, even if she wanted to.


    Standing alone by the stove, Ste flipped on the exhaust fan and let out a slow breath, thinking back over the long week. She’d been dutifully looking after William, always preparing borate meals just for him.


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