?Chapter 248:


    William, unfazed, sounded almost smug. “She’s been promoted. She’ll be joining me on all the big projects now, so we’ll be seeing each other every day, reviewing data, and finalizing results together.”


    Steven couldn’t miss the pride radiating from William’s voice—it struck him like a gut punch. He shoved the stack of documents into William’s hands. “If that’s the case, you two can take the Neb Project. I won’t get in your way anymore.” Saying it out loud hurt far more than he expected, a jagged ache settling deep in his chest.


    But what choice did he have? William had known Sylvia longer, had been looking for her for years.


    How could Steven possiblypete? He had a solid background, sure—but next to William, with his wealth, family, and effortless charisma, Steven felt hopelessly outmatched.


    He’d never considered himselfcking, not until he found himselfpared to someone like William—someone who seemed to have the universe stacked in his favor.


    Now, faced with the bitter truth, Steven couldn’t muster the courage to keep fighting for something he’d already lost.


    If Sylvia really was the girl William had spent years searching for, Steven knew he didn’t stand a chance. There was no point clinging to hope any longer—he might as well let go now and save himself the heartbreak.


    “So what are you going to do next?” William pressed, gathering up the documents from the table, his tone clipped.


    Steven squared his shoulders, determined to sound resolute, but even he could hear the strain in his voice. “I’m heading to Asnain for a break. I need to get my head on straight. Honestly, I’m worn out—physically and mentally. If you don’t cut me loose, I’ll probably drop dead at my desk.”


    He forced augh, but the pain was written all over his face. He desperately needed to run away for a while, to patch up his bruised pride and battered spirit.


    William didn’t hesitate as he replied, “All right. You’re officially on leave. Take as much time as you need.”


    Fresh updates now on g?lnσνe??s


    Steven watched William’s unfazed expression and couldn’t hold back his frustration—he thumped his own chest in mock agony. How had he ended up with a friend like this? What rotten luck!


    By five-thirty, Ste rolled her stiff neck, a faint wince tugging at her lips. Hours hunched over her desk had left her feeling like a coiled spring.


    “Ste, does your neck hurt?” Sandra’s voice floated over, tinged with concern.


    Ste managed a small smile and rubbed the spot just below her hairline. “It’s nothing. I just need to stop hunching over like a turtle. A break will fix it.”


    Sandra gave her a look that brooked no argument. “No more excuses! With our desk jobs, we’re overdue for massages. Let’s treat ourselves on our break.”


    Elbert gave a firm nod, signaling his full agreement with her words.


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