?Chapter 306:


    Why did they get tough while she was stuck here, feeling overlooked and forgotten?


    Cecelia couldn’t ept it. She wasn’t going to fade into the background like some nobody.


    If she couldn’t climb back up, then she’d make damn sure someone else fell down with her.


    Ste was deep in conversation with Sandra as they walked down the corridor. But the moment she turned the corner and saw Williaming from the other end, her steps slowed.


    The memory of theirst awkward moment shed through her mind, and she instinctively looked away.


    Sandra and the others greeted him with polite formality. “Good day, William!”


    Not wanting to draw attention, Ste mumbled a quiet, “Good day,” without looking up.


    She usually avoided calling him by name at all. It felt too personal.


    William picked up on her distant tone and understood she was keeping him at arm’s length.


    Still, with quietposure, he said, “We’ll be working together on this uingpetition. Since we’ve crossed paths, how about we have a meal together and go over the project a bit?”


    The unexpected offer caught Elbert and the others off guard.


    “Absolutely! That sounds great,” one of them replied eagerly.


    Even though they all worked at the same institute, hardly anyone had exchanged more than a few words with William. He always felt a bit out of reach. So, getting to sit down and eat with him? It felt like a rare opportunity. With everyone so excited, Ste figured it wasn’t the right moment to say no. She reminded herself that it was simply a team discussion over dinner, and with the whole group there, there was no reason to feel uneasy.


    The team left the institute together. William picked a nearby restaurant, only about ten minutes away on foot, so they all opted to walk instead of driving. On the way there, Elbert didn’t waste the chance, and he started firing off one research question after another.


    William took his time responding, exining things thoroughly. “Your first idea was strong. The only thing that held you back was second-guessing yourself. Next time, go with your gut.”


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    Elbert looked genuinely inspired. “Thanks, William. I think I finally get it now—I can actually see the whole picture clearly.”


    Ste was quietly surprised—she hadn’t expected William to speak so gently and encouragingly.


    So he did have a friendly side?


    Up until now, she had always assumed he was just distant by nature.


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