?Chapter 214:


    Ste was confident in her team’s work.


    Hearing her confidence eased some of the nerves in the group. They all trusted Ste—her capability, her calm under pressure, and her consistent hard work.


    She rarely relied on William, solving problems herself every step of the way.


    Elbert leaned in and said quietly, “No matter what the oue is, it’s been an honor working with you, Sylvia. I’ve learned a lot from you.”


    Ste smiled, a bit shy. “You’re giving me too much credit. This was a team effort. I couldn’t have done it alone.”


    Elbert nodded, then turned his eyes back to the screen as the final countdown began.


    Three… two… one… The screen blinked on.


    Sandra grabbed Ste’s arm tighter, holding her breath.


    Then, there it was—Elbert’s name. Their team name. They had advanced. Sandra shrieked, jumping with joy. “We did it! Sylvia, we actually did it! This is amazing!”


    Apuse erupted across the hall. Congrattions echoed from every corner.


    “Congrats, you guys totally deserved it. You crushed it!” Even fellowpetitors came over to celebrate with them.


    At the research institute, rivalry never got in the way of professional respect.


    Well—almost never. Allen and his team were noticeably absent.


    Ste hadn’t seen them anywhere.


    But it didn’t matter. Her team had advanced. And they’d done it on their own.


    Lainey came up from behind and gave her a pat on the shoulder. “Stel, I’m so proud of you. You killed it. Honestly, the whole institute should take notes from you.”


    Ste blushed. “Stop it, Lainey. You’re just hyping me up.”


    “I’m serious,” Laineyughed. “You’re just too humble.”


    For the first time in a long while, Ste felt a genuine wave of happiness. It was a good day. At least, it was—until after dinner.


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    Back in her room, Ste’s phone buzzed with an email notification. It was an engagement invitation. From Marc and Haley.


    A secondter, her phone rang. She answered, only to hear Haley’s voice on the other end. “Did you see the invitation I sent you?”


    Ste frowned, her voice t. “Does it matter if I saw it or not?”


    Haleyughed. “Of course it matters! That invitation was custom-made just for you. Very special. You have toe—I even reserved a good seat for you.”


    Ste scoffed. “Are we even close? Why would I attend your engagement?”


    “If you don’t show up, that only proves one thing,” Haley replied smugly. “That you still have feelings for Marc and can’t stand to see him with me.”


    Ste let out a sharp, coldugh. Really?


    She said, “Fine. I’ll be there. And I won’t bete.”


    “Great! I’ll be looking forward to it.” And with that, Haley hung up.


    Ste sat there, her expression dark and unreadable. She had a strong feeling Haley was up to something. That engagement party probably wasn’t just a celebration—it was bait.


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