?Chapter 197:


    Before she could finish, William leaned in.


    His lips brushed against hers—cool, firm, and fleeting. It wasn’t deep. It wasn’t demanding. But it was definitely a kiss. Her eyes widened, breath caught in her throat.


    When he pulled back, his gaze was calm and direct. “Does that prove it?”


    Ste’s brain short-circuited. Did he just kiss her? He actually kissed her. But… wasn’t he supposed to like men?


    Her thoughts turned into static.


    She dropped her utensils with a tter and bolted upright, grabbing her bag without another word. She rushed out of the restaurant, heart thudding,pletely unable to face him.


    Out on the street, her chest heaved with every step. She clutched her bag tightly against her chest, but it didn’t help.


    That kiss—his face—those eyes—they kept shing through her mind like a film reel stuck on repeat.


    By the time she stumbled into her dorm at the research institute, she was a mess. As she opened the door, Rita was just stepping out of William’s apartment across the hall.


    Seeing Ste, Rita smiled kindly. “Ms. Russell, did you eat out today?” Normally, Ste would smile and make small talk, but today she barely looked up. She brushed past, closed the door behind her, and disappeared inside.


    Rita stood there, stunned. What happened to her? She seemedpletely out of it.


    In the bathroom, Ste stared at her reflection.


    She lifted a hand and touched her lips. The memory of that kiss sent another wave of confusion through her. Why had William kissed her? It wasn’t until dawn that she sat bolt upright in bed, eyes puffy, hair wild, her thoughts finally clicking into ce.


    He was a proud man. She had dragged his personal life into their conversation at a public setting, bringing up his orientation, no less. He must’ve been furious—and humiliated. That kiss? It wasn’t real. It was just a way to prove a point. A way to shut her up.


    The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. Her body trembled slightly. It must be revenge.


    Her stomach twisted with regret. She never should’ve brought it up. She’d crossed a line.


    Ste let out a long sigh, trying to convince herself to just move on and forget the whole thing. Whatever that kiss was—whatever it meant—she’d chalk it up to William’s pride and leave it at that.


    It was his personal business, and she’d crossed a line by bringing it up. Either way, she wasn’t going to poke at it anymore. She’d act like it never happened.


    Pushing the thoughts away, she got out of bed and headed to wash up. She had a full day ahead and couldn’t afford to be distracted. Yesterday was over. Whatever happened, it stayed in the past. She opened the door—only to find herself face to face with William, who was stepping out across the hall. Their eyes met.


    Ste’s body tensed instinctively. He looked at her but didn’t say a word.


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