?Chapter 447:


    She looked over at the door and noticed a shadow moving past.


    Once things went quiet again, she turned her eyes back to William, tense but alert.


    “Are you done? Can I move now?” she asked dryly.


    He towered over her by at least a head.


    With her back against the wall, Ste’s gaze lined up with his corbone, and she could clearly see his chest rising and falling.


    If she shifted even a little, she’d end up brushing against him, so she stayedpletely still.


    Just then, William bent forward slightly, meeting her gaze head-on.


    His voice was soft and teasing, his face just inches away.


    “You know, Ste… your heart’s making quite a bit of noise right now,” he murmured.


    Ste froze for a second. But then, she frowned and red at William before pushing him away as hard as she could.


    “Everyone outside is already gone. What are you still holding onto me for?” she snapped.


    She didn’t even know why she’d hidden earlier.


    There was no reason to act guilty—it was just a work setting. Nothing out of line had happened. So why had she reacted that way?


    William, however, didn’t let go. “Just give me a second to exin,” he said.


    Ste gave him a frosty stare. “Save your exnations for Miss Lawson. I’m not the one who needs to hear them.”


    He could tell she still had the wrong idea, but before he could clear things up, she turned on her heel and walked off.


    Letting out a heavy sigh, he figured he’d have to wait for a better moment to talk.


    Back in theb, Ste returned with the time data in hand, her face stiff with annoyance. Sandra noticed right away.


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    “Sylvia, what’s wrong? Did someone get on your nerves?” Sandra asked, sensing something off.


    Ste lowered her head and busied herself with straightening the papers on her desk, masking her mood behind the rustle of folders. “It’s nothing,” she replied, her tone light but clearly forced.


    Sandra didn’t buy it but let it slide for now. “Oh, by the way—are you going to the institute dinner tonight? Everyone’s nning to be there.”


    “You guys go ahead,” Ste said, barely looking up. “I’ve got something to take care of after work. Won’t be able to make it.”


    Sandra wasn’t surprised. She’d worked with Ste long enough to know she wasn’t big on group events or crowded dinners.


    “Alright then,” Sandra said with a light chuckle. “You’re always so busy, Sylvia. Even after work, there’s no rest for you.”


    Ste gave a small smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. It was all she could manage.


    The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur, but Ste didn’t quite seem like herself. She stayed quiet and distant.


    When the day finally ended, she gathered her things and got ready to leave. Outside the institute, the sky was overcast. Choria’s rainy season was in full swing, and like most evenings, a steady drizzle was falling.


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