?Chapter 546:


    Nina’s expression wavered. “Kneel and apologize?”


    Ste nodded, calm as ever. “What? You scared?”


    It wasn’t that Nina was scared—more like caught off guard. She didn’t think much of the condition.


    In this institute, aside from William, even Paul treated her with courtesy.


    Who did Sylvia think she was to make such a demand?


    Still, she was sure she wouldn’t lose. No way she’d ever have to kneel and say sorry.


    “Fine,” she replied coolly. “An apology it is.”


    Sandra immediately jumped in, “Let’s make it official then. Sign an agreement.” This way, nobody could back out if things didn’t go their way.


    Jamir looked a little startled by Sandra’s boldness and gave her sleeve a gentle tug.


    In his mind, she was pushing Sylvia into a corner. Without a written agreement, there’d still be room to walk things back if she lost—but once they signed, there’d be no getting out of it.


    Sandra shot him a re. “Don’t you trust Sylvia?”


    Jamir sighed. “It’s not that—I’m just being careful!”


    “You just don’t believe in her, that’s all. Anyway, Sylvia’s not losing. Period,” Sandra said, full of conviction.


    Ste didn’t mind signing. She wasn’t the type to back out of anything, and she had no intention of losing either.


    After both names were down on the agreement, they sat at theirputers, ready.


    Sandra stood behind Ste, Hester behind Nina. “Thepetitionsts one hour,” Hester announced. “The task is from one of the institute’s top-tier projects. Whoever calctes theplete set of data first wins.”


    Sandra added, “If neither finishes in forty minutes, it’s a draw. If one finishes first but makes more mistakes than the other, it’s a draw too.” Time and uracy—that was all that mattered.


    To win, one had to surpass the other in both aspects; otherwise, it was a tie.


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    Jamir nced at them both. “When you’re ready, press the timer.”


    Ste didn’t hesitate. Her fingers hit the timer, and she was off. Her hands flew across the keyboard, her screen quickly filling with data and calctions. Nina wasn’t far behind, typing fast and sharp, using the method she was most familiar with.


    Within seconds, both screens were scrolling too fast to follow.


    Sandra stared in awe behind Ste. “Wow… how many years of practice would it take to type like that?”


    She’d always thought Ste was amazing, but watching her in action now—this was next-level.


    No wonder Ste was her idol.


    Hester, who stood behind Nina, clenched her jaw. She wanted toe back with something snarky—but after seeing Ste’s pace, she couldn’t even find the words.


    Nina’s hands moved just as fast, matching Ste’s tempo perfectly. Ten minutes in, and neither had gained the upper hand.


    More and more researchers gathered around, drawn by the showdown. Curiosity buzzed through the room. This wasn’t just apetition—it was a battle of brains, speed, and reputation. And everyone wanted to see who woulde out on top.


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