?Chapter 232:


    Setting her fork and knife aside, Ste took a steadying breath. “I actually need a favor from you.”


    The shift in her tone made William sit up straighter. “Is this about the promotion?”


    Ste’s expression brightened. So, he knew!


    She said, “The advancement list was posted already, but now they’re saying it’s for something else. Plus, the team selections got switched at thest minute. That’s not how the institute usually does things.”


    William’s slow nod showed he saw her point. “What kind of help do you need from me?”


    A hint of hope crept into Ste’s voice. “It’s not much. We just need you to look for some proof. Anything that shows why everything suddenly changed.”


    William paused for a moment, considering her words. “Alright.”


    “You mean it?”


    “But I do have one condition.”


    Ste hesitated, caught off guard. Maybe she should have expected it—William was all business, never one to do favors without expecting something in return.


    She said, “Alright. If you agree to help, I’ll go along with whatever terms you have in mind.”


    William found himself caught off guard by her quick eptance. Normally, she would want to know the details before agreeing. This time, she didn’t even pause to question him.


    “You’re not the least bit worried I might use this to my advantage?” A smile tugged at his lips, and a subtle dimple appeared at the edge of his mouth, softening his stern features with a yful, almost roguish charm.


    “If it makes you happy, so be it. I don’t think you’d stoop that low, Mr. Briggs.” After dabbing his hands with a napkin, William rose from his seat. “I’ll look into it for you. Give me a few days to sort things out.”


    Deep down, he felt responsible for the institute’s reputation. Even if Ste hadn’t reached out, he wouldn’t let anyone stir up trouble behind the scenes.


    When the new day arrived, Ste gathered her team at the institute.


    Ga lno vel s . takes you into new worlds


    Sandra’s eyes scanned the group, then turned to Sylvia. “Cecelia isn’t here yet.” Despite what happened the previous day, Sandra didn’t hold a grudge. She had already put the disagreement with Cecelia behind her, so it was natural for her to wonder about Cecelia’s absence during the meeting.


    A small, knowing smile crossed Ste’s face at Sandra’s gentle spirit. “She isn’t present right now, but I’ll talk to her privatelyter.”


    Sandra gave a simple nod. “Alright, that makes sense.”


    “I’ve already brought this to Mr. Briggs. He’s agreed to look into it for us. Until we get some answers, I don’t want this news getting out. If Allen’s people show up looking for trouble, make sure no one mentions Mr. Briggs is involved.”


    Both Elbert and Jamir understood right away and nodded firmly. “You can count on us, Sylvia. We won’t say anything.”


    Sandra pressed a hand to her chest, full of confidence. “Same here, Sylvia! I won’t tell a soul!”


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