?Chapter 287:


    Ste met her enthusiasm with an easy smile. “Happy to help, really.” Admiration shone on the woman’s face as she lingered over the handshake.


    “You know, people like you are hard toe by. What’s your name?”


    “I’m Sylvia Gilbert,” Ste replied, her tone warm. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”


    “I’m Celine Mendoza,” the woman replied with a smile.


    Ste froze for half a heartbeat—this was the very person she’d spent weeks searching for—a potential partner she’d only hoped to meet tonight by chance. A delighted surprise lit up her features. “Ms. Mendoza, I’m from Neb. I actually came hoping to talk with you about our coboration…”


    Once her project presentation wrapped up, Doreen lifted her gaze and spotted Ste nearby, luminous and effortlessly drawing attention.


    A faint tension flickered in Doreen’s posture; her hands balled into fists behind her back before she managed to rx them.


    Watching Ste work the room, Doreen could finally understand Marc’s inability to move on.


    Who wouldn’t be reluctant to let go of someone so maic?


    She unclenched her fists and leaned closer to Marc.


    “Mr. Walsh, Ms. Gilbert is incredible. She always seems to have the answer for everything. We even share the same major—I’d really love to be friends with her!”


    Marc simply pressed his lips together, his silence speaking volumes.


    Doreen let out a lightugh. “Looks like she’s free now. Come on, let’s go clear things up—and apologize properly. She really wasn’t being harsh with me.” Without waiting for Marc’s response, she took his arm and steered him toward Ste.


    Ste, meanwhile, had just wrapped up her conversation with Celine.


    Celine, visibly impressed, had agreed to continue their discussions at the office before gliding away to mingle with the rest of the guests.


    Ste’s subtle smile lingered—a hint of satisfaction, knowing the evening had opened on a promising note.


    Your next story starts here g?lnσν???s?c?m


    She turned, intending to find William and share her sess, only to spot Doreen heading her way, Marc in tow.


    Ste’s brow furrowed ever so slightly, but before she could utter a word, Doreen—utterly unrestrained—reached out and seized her hand.


    “Sylvia, I wanted to apologize again. I already told Mr. Walsh you never bullied me,” Doreen gushed, her eyes shining with earnestness. “Honestly, you’re incredible. I always need help in college, but you seem to know everything. Could you tell me more about the patent you mentioned earlier?”


    Anticipation gleamed in Doreen’s eyes, but Ste coolly drew her hand back, her expression turning icy.


    A subtle edge crept into her voice. “Are you honestly clueless, or is school just too much trouble for you these days?”


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