?Chapter 312:


    Frankly, if she ever wanted to, Ste could be their fiercest rival—she knew precisely where to strike. With the Walsh Group teetering on the edge of copse, their roster of partners was thinning fast. So Ste could easily poach the Walsh Group’s clients and seize their projects.


    William watched her coolposure with a faintly amused smile. “You’re right—you really could make hispany go bankrupt any time you wanted.”


    With another high-stakespetition looming, Ste and her team at the research institute embarked on a new round of experiments. This round demanded far more ingenuity and stamina than their previous quest for the top prize.


    Ste threw herself headlong into the work, leaving no detail unchecked. Over the course of more than two relentless weeks, they pushed themselves to the brink. Atst, after endless trials, their research finally took shape.


    “Sylvia, I couldn’t have cracked thispetition without you,” Sandra lingered beside Ste, poring over thetest round of experimental results together.


    With today’s data finally tallied, the project was officiallyplete—ready atst to be handed off to thepetition judges for review.


    Ste pushed back from the desk, letting out a long, exhausted sigh. “Guys, it’s been a tough slog for over half a month. You’ve all done an amazing job!” she said.


    For more than half a month, they’d practically lived inside theb—days and nights blurring together as they chased every detail to perfection. Meals and sleep were their only breaks from the grind.


    “We have to celebrate tonight,” Elbert chimed in, grinning as he nced around at his equally weary, exhrated teammates.


    Just as Ste was ready to join in the well-earned festivities, her phone buzzed. A message from William shed across the screen.


    “Come to the banquet with me tonight. It’s a great opportunity for Neb’s future.”


    Ste let out a resigned sigh before addressing her team. “Something just came up—I might have to skip dinner with you all tonight.”


    William had work for her, and in her position, declining simply wasn’t an option. This was for Neb’s benefit, after all, and she couldn’t justify backing out. Sandra’s face briefly registered disappointment, but she quickly masked it with a reassuring smile. “It’s alright, Sylvia. Take care of your business. We’ll have plenty of chances to eat together.”


    Sandra’s easygoing response only deepened Ste’s guilt. “Tomorrow night’s on me, then. I owe you guys a proper meal,” she added quickly, eager to keep things from turning sour.


    That promise brightened Sandra’s expression immediately. “You’re on. Looking forward to it!”


    Ste gathered her things and returned to her dorm to change clothes, mentally preparing herself for the evening ahead.


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