?Chapter 231:


    From the beginning, something about this situation felt off. If they brought it to William’s attention, he might step in, just like he didst time when Allen tried to push them around.


    But Ste paused. She didn’t want to keep relying on William every time something went wrong.


    Even though he held a higher position and had helped her before, she felt the need to stand on her own this time.


    That afternoon, after work, Ste busied herself in the kitchen. As she stirred the soup, lost in thought, she reached for the salt again, only for Rita to stop her just in time.


    “Ms. Russell, you’ve already salted it!”


    Startled, Ste blinked, pulled herself out of her daze, and set the salt aside without a word.


    Once the meal was done, Rita picked up the dish meant for William and was about to leave.


    But before she could head out, Ste spoke up.


    “Rita, I’lle along today.”


    Rita gave her a warm smile. “Of course!”


    Ste followed Rita into William’s dorm. When William turned and saw her, surprise shed briefly across his face.


    “I thought I’d join you for dinner this time. Hope you don’t mind, Mr. Briggs?” she asked casually.


    William raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing. “Eating alone must’ve started to feel a little too lonely, huh, Ms. Russell?”


    The words caught Ste off guard. She opened her mouth but said nothing. Did he really have to put it that way?


    Later, at dinner, William ate at a rxed pace and casually remarked, “It’s cooked perfectly.”


    The way he said it… it felt like he was patting her on the head. Ste bit back a sharp reply,posed herself, and reached for some food.


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    “You’re right. Eating alone all the time does get a bit dull.”


    William paused and looked at her more carefully this time. Something about her was different today.


    As Ste chewed, her mind kept circling around how to bring up the real reason she’de.


    Her fingers fidgeted slightly. She needed to say it before dinner ended, or she’d miss her chance entirely.


    William calmly lifted his spoon, took a slow sip of soup, and then nced at her with that amused look.


    “Miss Russell, is there something on your mind? Or are you about to confess your feelings? You do seem a bit flustered.”


    Rita’s eyes sparkled as she watched Ste. Was Ms. Russell really about to confess? She found herself thinking that confessions usually came from the guy. Mr. Briggs really should have stepped up instead of putting Ms. Russell in this position.


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