?Chapter 174:


    Ste leaned toward her with a grin. “Hey, Rita, why don’t you teach me? Then I can finally deal with troublemakers like Marc and Haley myself!”


    She’d always been curious about learning martial arts, not just for protection, but to handle people like Marc and Haley without needing anyone’s help. Sadly, she had never found the right person to teach her and didn’t trust random instructors either, so the idea had always been on hold. But now, with Rita standing right there, it finally felt like the right moment hade.


    Rita’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. She really liked Ste, and besides, William had also asked her to look out for her. Delighted by Ste’s interest, she beamed. “Of course, Ms. Russell! If you really want to learn, I’ll teach you. It’s not that hard.”


    “Great, it’s settled then!”


    Once they got back to the institute, Ste made them a meal. Rita took a portion over to William and waited until Ste was done eating before heading with her to the courtyard below the dorms to begin their lesson.


    Rita started with a few simple moves, showing Ste how to mirror them. To her surprise, Ste caught on fast. Her movements were clean and precise.


    “Ms. Russell, you’ve got real talent for this.”


    Ste couldn’t help but smile at thepliment.


    Rita added, “You’re seriously flexible, and your stamina is no joke. You’ve been training with me for over an hour and haven’t even slowed down.”


    It was the first time Rita had ever seen someone, especially a beginner, keep pace with her entire routine without so much as losing their breath.


    “My job demands a fair amount of physical endurance, so I guess I’m a bit fitter than most,” Ste replied casually.


    Her research work often involved climbing up and down rugged terrains. It had be second nature. Without staying fit, it wouldn’t be possible to keep up. A few years ago, in particr, she’d spent a full three months deep in the mountains with her research team.


    But just as her team was about to receive a major award, Marc imed there was a family emergency and dragged her home, making her miss the ceremony entirely.


    g?lnσν????s is where dreams unfold


    Because of that, she ended up missing the chance to receive an internationally acimed award—one that held immense prestige and recognition in the industry. Had she received it, it would’ve opened doors to countless opportunities and pushed her career to new heights.


    Thinking back on it now, Ste couldn’t help but feel foolish. She’d sacrificed everything—her achievements, her future—just to y the role of the ideal wife beside Marc.


    The memories weighed heavily on her, bringing nothing but regret. If she had the chance to relive it all, she’d never make the same mistake again.


    At Choria Police Station…


    “Marc, please don’t leave me here! I want to go home!” Haley cried, clutching his arm with desperation.


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