?Chapter 301:


    Reba’s bravado wavered as the mention of Shaun sent a flush creeping up her neck. She hadn’t expected Ste to be so direct—or for the tables to turn so quickly. Ste’s gaze remained cool as she continued, “Whatever is going on between you and Shaun is your own business. You’re part of Ms. Mendoza’s team, and I’m here to work with you—nothing more. Please keep your personal drama out of my way.”


    Céline felt a prick of embarrassment. She hadn’t realized there was old tension simmering between the two women and silently chided herself for not checking beforehand. Forcing a smile, she stepped in to smooth things over. “Ms. Gilbert, this seems like a simple misunderstanding. Let’s talk things through and get to the bottom of it.” She shot Reba a sharp nce, warning her to rein in her jealousy.


    Reba clenched her jaw and shot Ste a challenging look. Why was Ste suddenly so assertive? She wasn’t the demure woman fromst night’s dinner. No—this had to be Ste’s true face, and the other version nothing more than a carefully crafted illusion to lure men in. Turning back to Céline, she insisted, “Aunt Céline, there’s no misunderstanding here. I saw her with a bunch of men at the restaurantst night. I saw it myself! How could she possibly exin that away? She’s just too scared to admit it.”


    Céline’s patience snapped. “That’s enough, Reba. Ms. Gilbert is single—she has every right to dine with whoever she likes. The real issue is your obsession with dragging others down instead of lifting yourself up. Ms. Gilbert has academic awards and even holds a patent from her university days. What do you have to show?”


    Despite her resentment, Reba stayed silent. She’d always found Céline’s decisive nature intimidating. Landing this internship had been tough enough; if she pushed her luck and fell out of favor with her aunt, she’d likely be sent packing—and face another round of parental scolding back home.


    Muttering a few inaudibleints, Reba dropped her gaze, shrinking under Céline’s stern look.


    Céline watched her niece’s stubborn posture and let out a soft, exasperated sigh. “Ms. Gilbert, I apologize for Reba’s behavior,” she said, her tone apologetic. “She’s still young and has a lot to learn.”


    Ste shook her head gently, letting the matter slide. She understood Reba was fresh out of college and saw no reason to make things difficult. “No need to worry. Ms. Watson is energetic—she reminds me of myself at that age.”


    Ste’s yful remark lightened the mood, diffusing the earlier tension. Céline felt her shoulders rx, grateful that Ste hadn’t taken offense.


    “I have a meeting in a few minutes,” Céline continued. “Would you mind reviewing the project with Reba first? I’ll join you both as soon as I’m finished.”


    Chapter 214:


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