?Chapter 311:


    William nced sideways at her. “So you think my reason’s a little… dull?”


    Ste shook her head. “Not dull. Just unexpectedly grounded. Doesn’t really match your image.”


    William raised an eyebrow. “Ms. Russell, I’m a regr person. What ‘image’ are you talking about?”


    He had never made an effort to be mysterious, not intentionally.


    Ste shrugged. “Fair enough.”


    They continued walking toward the research institute. Chatting with him like this, Ste realized he wasn’t as hard to get along with as people imed. Maybe he just didn’t bother with small talk unless it mattered.


    The sunset stretched their shadows along the pavement, stirring mixed feelings in William. “Ms. Russell,” he said after a pause, “you’re aplished, driven. I assume you’ve had no shortage of suitors. Ever thought about dating again?”


    Ste didn’t hesitate. “No.”


    Her answer made William frown slightly. “Why not?” Was it still about Marc?


    “I just got out of a failed marriage,” she said calmly. “I’m not rushing into anything. Love isn’t essential, and I need time. I won’t make the same mistake twice.”


    William nodded. He understood—and didn’t push. Whatever feelings he held, he kept them quiet.


    The sun had dipped below the horizon. Streetlights flickered on.


    “About what Haley said… the hotel incident,” William asked, his voice careful. “Do you remember anything? The man’s face, any details?” He didn’t want to upset her with the question, but he had to know.


    Ste’s tone didn’t waver. “No. And there’s no point. It’s over. Dwelling on it won’t help me.”


    William admired herposure. Still, he felt a small, inexplicable sense of loss—like something between them had quietly pulled away.


    Ste noticed the shift. “What is it? Why bring that up?” The incident had nothing to do with him.


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    “It’s nothing,” William said. “Just thought—if you remembered something useful, I’d suggest reporting it.” His voice was even again. Whatever had flickered there, he shut it down quickly.


    She didn’t question him further.


    As they reached the dormitory entrance, he changed the subject. “So… what’s your n for Marc? He doesn’t look like he’s letting go anytime soon.”


    A cold glint flickered in Ste’s eyes. “What I’ve done so far? That was just the beginning.” She paused. “Poaching everyst client and seizing his gship projects—that’s the real aim.”


    Ste had spent years immersed in the inner workings of Marc’spany, so she understood the Walsh Group’s every project inside and out. As fate would have it, her own research trajectory kept colliding with their business ventures, intertwining her future with theirs at every turn.


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