?Chapter 330:


    Ste blinked. “Isn’t Neb already juggling too much? Now another one?” She’d already visited a few sites.


    William gave a small shake of his head. “Not Neb. This one’s under the Briggs Group.”


    Ste raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue.


    In her mind, it was all the same—Neb was part of the Briggs Group anyway. Either way, the profits ended up in William’s pockets.


    As she followed him to the site, her thoughts drifted to the uingpetition at the research institute.


    “Mr. Briggs,” she asked, “do you know anything about the rival research institute? They say it’s Mr. Hoffman’s biggestpetitor.”


    She’d always thought of Paul as calm and easygoing. Even when she took leave unexpectedly or caused a stir because of Marc, Paul never med her.


    He was always kind and understanding.


    So it was hard to imagine someone like him having a long-standing rivalry.


    William shrugged lightly. “It’s nothing major. Just a disagreement from a pastpetition that left a bad taste in Paul’s mouth.”


    Ste narrowed her eyes slightly. “That vague, huh? Sounds like you’re leaving something out.”


    He chuckled, his expression softening. “Back then, both sides submitted simr projects. The other institute imed theirs was moreplete—and they won. Paul wasn’t exactly thrilled. Brooded about it for over a year.”


    She looked genuinely surprised. “Wait… were the judges bribed?” Because if not, it should’ve been a fair game.


    William tilted his head. “Not sure. But I do know one of the judges was the uncle of the other institute’s director.”


    Ste was briefly at a loss for words.


    She asked, “Do you think we actually stand a chance against them this year?” She couldn’t help but feel the odds were unfair. The rival institute had relied on connections before—how could that ever feel like a level ying field?


    Check exclusive content gα?ησν???s


    William replied calmly, “Rx. That uncle of theirs isn’t on the judging panel this year.”


    Ste let out a breath. “Good. Then this time, I’m helping Mr. Hoffman bring home that first-ce trophy.”


    William shot her a sideways look. “You sound pretty confident.”


    Ste smiled, proud and sure. “Why wouldn’t I be?”


    “That’s the spirit. Keep that confidence, Ms. Russell.”


    He turned his head away, but the corner of his mouth lifted—just slightly.


    That quiet self-assurance of hers… it was something he’d always admired.


    By the time they wrapped up at the project site, it was nearly lunchtime. William nced at the time and said, “Let’s grab something to eat. I’ll drop you off at thepetition venue afterward.”


    Ste looked at him with a teasing glint. “When did you get so thoughtful?” The words came out naturally—she wasn’t even trying to flirt. Somewhere along the way, her guard around him had dropped. She hadn’t even realized it.


    .


    .


    .