?Chapter 588:


    Over the next week, Ste threw herself into work,pletely tuning out everything else.


    Sandra had tried several times to bring up Ste’s rtionship with William, but each time she walked in, Ste was deeply engrossed in something. She didn’t want to interrupt.


    It wasn’t until they grabbed lunch together one day that things took an unexpected turn—they spotted Nina sitting just a few tables away.


    The entire institute had already been buzzing with gossip about Ste and William. Everyone there was a fair-weather friend, loyal only to whoever could protect their position.


    As a result, Nina had lost the automatic support she oncemanded and had be a target of ridicule around the institute. She hadn’t said a word about it, but the tension had been building.


    And today, she was clearly done holding it in.


    With her tray in hand, Nina marched over and sat directly across from Ste, startling both her and Sandra.


    “Are you satisfied now?” Nina said coldly.


    Ste frowned and looked up, but didn’t respond right away.


    Nina’s voice was sharper this time. “Sylvia, I didn’t take you for someone so calcting. You walk around acting all generous and graceful, but behind the scenes, you’ve been turning everyone against me. Now that you’ve got William’s attention, you must feel pretty smug, huh?”


    Ste calmly wiped her mouth with a napkin and said, “You’re overthinking it.” She really didn’t have the time—or interest—to feel triumphant about this kind of drama.


    Nina had never met someone like Ste before. On the surface, she seemed like she didn’t care about power ys orpetition, but somehow everything always tilted in her favor. That quiet confidence only made Nina feel even more cornered. She couldn’t understand why William would ever choose someone like Ste.


    Sandra sat there quietly, watching Nina. Nina reminded her so much of Cecelia—cold, proud, and now eaten alive by jealousy.


    They had nearly finished their meal, but after Nina’s interruption, neither Sandra nor Ste felt like eating anymore.<fn3701> The source of th?s content is find?novel</fn3701>


    They stood up, trays in hand, ready to leave. Just as Ste was about to walk away, Nina suddenly grabbed her wrist.


    “Wait, I’m not done talking!”


    The tray in Ste’s hand tipped forward, and food spilled straight onto Nina’s clothes.


    Gasps echoed from nearby tables as people turned to stare.


    Nina froze, her clothes stained and her pride in shambles. She shot Ste a re, then stormed out of the cafeteria without another word.


    Ste blinked, then turned to Sandra, who looked equally confused.


    Sandra leaned in and whispered, “Sylvia… do you think Nina has a thing for William?”


    Ste stared at her like she’d just grown a second head. “What?!”


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