?Chapter 164:


    Still, this felt way too familiar. She thought moving back to Choria would be the end of her part-time personal chef duties. But somehow, it was like being back in Briset.


    As she stared at the bubbling congee in the pot, she let out a heavy sigh. When would Rita finally be able to prepare a meal? And didn’t William have anyone in Choria who could cook?


    For the rest of the week, William lived in the dorm across from hers. It started with breakfast requests, but soon he demanded dinner too. Back when William wasn’t here, she just ate at the institute cafeteria like everyone else.


    But William? Absolutely not. He turned his nose up at the cafeteria food. And if he wasn’t eating it, that meant she couldn’t either.


    She tried sneaking food back for him once. That night, he ended up being rushed to the hospital.


    The doctor told them he had a sensitive stomach. He needed to be careful with his diet.


    A sensitive stomach? She had never heard of anyone having a sensitive stomach. Was the cafeteria food so terrible? Ste had eaten two bowls herself and felt fine.


    Still, she didn’t want to risk another emergency room visit. And just like that, she was stuck cooking every day.


    At least William wasn’t picky. He ate whatever she made withoutints. But between juggling the institute’s research during the day and Neb’s business meetings at night, Ste felt like she was being stretched in ten directions.


    Rewarding? Sure, but totally exhausting.


    One evening, she came home to find Rita already prepping ingredients in the kitchen.


    As Ste rolled up her sleeves and started cooking, Rita spoke up casually. “Ms. Russell, Mr. Briggs’ grandfather is celebrating a milestone birthday soon.”


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    A milestone birthday celebration? What did that have to do with her? She wasn’t part of the Briggs family. Not even close.


    Rita smiled at her confusion. “Mr. Briggs was hoping you could help choose a gift. He said youngdies tend to have better taste.”


    Seriously? Choosing a birthday gift for William’s grandfather felt way too personal. Way outside their current… arrangement.


    Ste opened her mouth to object, but Rita was already a step ahead.


    “Mr. Briggs also said you have excellent taste and a good eye for unique gifts,” Rita added. “Plus, you can pick something nice for yourself too—as a thank-you for all the meals you’ve made himtely.”


    Now that got Ste’s attention. She raised an eyebrow. “Well… in that case, sure.”


    Indeed, she deserved a huge reward for all the dishes she had made. She should choose a proper gift for herself.


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