?Chapter 163:


    Procedures. There’s nothing fraudulent here. If you’re determined to stir up trouble, that’s entirely your choice.” He moved to end the conversation.


    Marc clutched his phone harder, his voice rising with fury.


    “Is this really how your department handles things now? You’re not even worried your superior might step in? You’re just a civil servant working behind a desk—are you really willing to gamble your career for some woman?”


    In Marc’s mind, he was convinced Ste had someone powerful backing her, maybe William, or one of the other influential men she was connected to.


    There was no way everything had been handled by the book.


    “If you truly believe there’s been misconduct,” the director said coolly, “you’re wee to take it up with my superiors.”


    The line went dead from the other side, and Marc was left simmering with frustration he couldn’t seem to let go of.


    How had Ste managed to gather so many people in her corner?


    Her brief encounter with Marc outside the research institute earlier that day left barely a ripple in her mood. In truth, it didn’t bother her at all.


    After taking a shower, she lounged on the sofa with herptop, focused on her research project.


    Once she’d made enough progress, she headed to bed, falling asleep with ease.


    By morning, she felt well-rested. She stretched leisurely, then turned toward the kitchen, nning to make herself breakfast. But before she could take a step, her phone buzzed on the nightstand.


    She picked it up and saw a short message from William—just three words:


    “Unlock the door.”


    For a second, she stood frozen.


    Let your imagination soar with g?lnσν???s


    When she finally opened it, thest person she expected to see was standing on the other side.


    Ste blinked in surprise. “Rita? What are you doing here?” Wasn’t she supposed to still be in Briset?


    Rita gave her a sheepish smile. “Mr. Briggs asked me toe. He said since he’s living in Choria now, he’d like me to keep looking after him. Oh—and Ms. Russell, these are the ingredients for breakfast today. Mr. Briggs would like some shrimp congee… if it’s not too much trouble.”


    Ste stared, dumbfounded. Shrimp congee? That was William’s craving, not hers. Why was that suddenly her problem?


    Rita gave her a hopeful look. “The recipe’s a bit tricky, and I haven’t quite mastered it yet. I was hoping you might help just this once? I can try to make it in the kitchen next door, but… I’m afraid I might mess it up. And if Mr. Briggs doesn’t get a proper breakfast, it might ruin his whole day.”


    “Alright, alright—I’ll do it.” Ste waved her hand, exasperated. She sighed. She owed him for helping her shut down that loser Marc the night before, so fine—she could handle one pot of shrimp congee.


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