?Chapter 286:


    Ste found his reasoningughable.


    When had she ever said he couldn’t date someone? And who said she’d asked in the first ce? Why was he acting like she needed a justification?


    She gave a small shrug, unmoved. “Alright then. If that’s the case, I just remembered—wasn’t there someone named Haley you were engaged to? But that’s none of my business. If you and she are together now, I hope itsts.” Not willing to drag things out, Ste turned to walk away.


    She’d already spent too long here, and the person she came to find was still nowhere in sight.


    Watching her go, William didn’t hesitate.


    He fell into step behind her without saying a word, never once looking Marc’s way. As though Marc didn’t exist.


    Still holding Doreen, Marc watched Ste leave with the same cool expression on her face, and something inside him clenched.


    Was she really that unaffected?


    Once the two of them hadpletely disappeared, Marc finally looked at Doreen still standing quietly at his side.


    He took a small step back, his voice calm as he said, “It’s alright. Everyone struggles now and then, especially in school. You’re no less than anyone else, and you don’t need to diminish yourself for anyone’s sake.”


    Doreen nced up at him, appreciation softening her features. “Thanks for that, Mr. Walsh. I understand why you hugged me, it was just to stand up for me. Don’t worry, I won’t misread it.”


    She gave a polite bow, then added, “I’m assisting with the event today. If you’d like, I could stay with you and help exin the exhibits once the presentations begin.”


    Marc responded with a faint nod, signaling his agreement. Doreen beamed and stayed close to him.


    Elsewhere in the venue, Ste kept weaving through the crowd, still trying to locate her business partner, when a gentle voice floated above the low hum of conversation: “What led to this development?”


    Ste nced over and spotted a woman asking about WAY MORE.


    After a beat, she strolled over and offered, “Excuse me, I heard your question—I think I can help.”


    At the sound of her voice, the woman’s head snapped up instantly. A flicker of admiration lit her eyes the moment she took in Ste’s striking look. “Oh? Please do.”


    Ste gave her a reassuring nod. “Actually, it’s simpler than it seems. Just convert the program codes into binary, and you’ll have your answer.” The woman’s eyes went wide with delight.


    Clearly, no one had ever suggested that before. “That’s brilliant—I never would’ve thought of it. Thank you so much!” She reached out to shake Ste’s hand, her excitement unmistakable.


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