?Chapter 298:


    Ste arched a brow, lips tightening. “It’s after hours. If you’re asking for overtime, Mr. Briggs, you’ll have to pay me extra.”


    Without missing a beat, William answered coolly, “Triple the usual rate for overtime. Does that meet your expectations?”


    For a moment, Ste was at a loss. She couldn’t exactly object to an offer that generous.


    From across the room, Shaun’s voice broke in, tinged with indignation. “Mr. Briggs, it’s dinnertime. Even if you want Ms. Gilbert workingte, you should at least let her eat. Otherwise, people might start thinking you’re some kind of tyrant.”


    William’s gaze flicked to Shaun, recognition dawning—he remembered this man as the one who’d escorted a drunken Ste back to the research institutete at night.


    William narrowed his eyes, a subtle heaviness settling in his chest as he realized this was Ste’s second encounter with Shaun.


    So this was the kind of man she liked? Maybe her taste wasn’t so refined after all.


    “I’m speaking with my employee,” he dered, his tone cool and unyielding. “If Ms. Gilbert has a problem, she can speak for herself. It’s hardly your ce to decide on her behalf.”


    Turning to Ste, William softened his expression just enough to mask his impatience. “Would you rather eat before we go?”


    Ste’s appetite had vanished entirely; the prospect of dinner felt more exhausting than appealing. All she wanted now was a quick escape from this suffocating gathering.


    “That won’t be necessary,” she replied, steady andposed. “If thepany needs me, I should get back right away.”


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Shaun’s face as her words shut down any hope for lingering.


    As William headed for the door, leaving Ste to catch up, Shaun couldn’t resist throwing out a jab. “Mr. Briggs, you do realize treating ady like that isn’t exactly charming, right?”


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    William stopped, a hint of amusement glinting in his eyes. “Even so, Ms. Gilbert will be leaving with me tonight, won’t she?”


    Ste had no idea why the two of them suddenly began bickering; it all seemed so out of the blue. Still, she gave Shaun a polite nod before turning to leave.


    As soon as she got in the car and shut the door, William shot her a sidelong nce. “Seriously? Are you that desperate for a man now—having dinner surrounded by guys like that? If you’re going to look, at least set your standards a little higher. Don’t just throw yourself at every guy with a pulse.”


    Ste could tell he was provoking her on purpose. But she had reached her limit.


    “Yes, I am in the mood to date,” she shot back. “That’spletely normal. Who I choose to spend time with has nothing to do with you, Mr. Briggs.”


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