?Chapter 290:


    She was so much like the Ste he used to know—utterly devoted, innocent to a fault, with a heart too gentle for this world.


    The partnership was officially sealed, and Celine wasted no time making the announcement public.


    News of Neb’s win rippled through industry circles, with congrattions flooding in from professionals all over.


    But not everyone was so supportive.


    Some skeptics took to the inte, grumbling in private threads. “Come on, how could a tiny outfit like Neb score something this huge without pulling strings?”


    “I mean, let’s just be real—she got the deal thanks to William. Not that I’d say that out loud,” another remarked, adding fuel to the gossip.


    Of course, Ste came across the chatter.


    She rarely bothered with online noise, but letting baseless rumors fester would only embolden them.


    So, she swiftly uploaded her chat logs with Celine, making every detail public. The exchanges left no doubt—Celine had chosen Neb purely for their ster proposal.


    With the facts out in the open, the critics quickly quieted down. Many quietly scrubbed their previousments, leaving the thread in sudden, embarrassed silence.


    Though the recent trouble had died down, Ste couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed a long-term solution to keep these kinds of rumors at bay. Was it really just because she didn’t have a boyfriend that people assumed she owed everything to William?


    If she had someone by her side, the spection would fizzle out without her lifting a finger.


    Marriage wasn’t necessary; she just needed someone to stand beside her.


    Without wasting another moment, Ste dialed Sharon’s number. “Sharon, I need your help. I’ve decided to get myself a boyfriend. You know everyone—can you set me up with a few options?”


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    A jubnt shriek burst through the phone, nearly making Steugh.


    “Finally, Stel! I knew you’d see reason eventually! Don’t worry, leave everything to me. I’ll line up the perfect candidates.”


    Three dayster, Sharon called just as Ste was finishing lunch.


    “Stel, it’s all set! I’ve arranged a dinner for you at Elysian Dining—private room, no prying eyes. All you have to do is show up. Trust me, you’re in good hands.”


    A pang of regret twisted through Ste, but before she could speak, Sharon had already hung up.


    With a resigned sigh, Ste decided she might as well see how the evening yed out.


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