?Chapter 618:<fnab42> Chapters first released on f?ndnovel</fnab42>


    But Marc shoved her aside, forcefully, and snapped coldly, “Doreen, vanish—before I lose my patience.”


    The look in his eyes was terrifying. That sharp, bone-deep re froze her on the spot. She couldn’t even breathe.


    After a beat of stunned silence, Doreen turned and stumbled out of the restaurant.


    Sharon came back, all too eager to dish out what she’d just witnessed. “Stel, those two are a mess. They used to act like they couldn’t live without each other. I remember Marc even said she was better than you. Look at them now—full-on enemies.”


    Ste gave a calm, knowing smile. Human rtionships were never simple—especially not with someone like Marc.


    She and Sharon quietly paid their bill and walked out, pretending not to have seen anything.


    A few dayster, Ste had just wrapped up an experiment at the research institute when she got a message from Paul, asking everyone to head to the hall.


    Sandra leaned in beside her and whispered excitedly, “Sylvia, I heard Mr. Hoffman’s announcing the new project team leader. I bet it’s going to be you!”


    She looked at Ste like her promotion would be the highlight of her own week. Elbert had led thest team Ste joined, and she preferred it that way—low pressure, no spotlight, and no one to manage. Being in charge wasn’t her thing.


    “Sandra, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Mr. Hoffman’s never said a word to me about any leadership position. Why would it be me?”


    In Ste’s mind, if the institute were going to announce a new team lead, they’d at least give the person a heads-up. Maybe even ask them to prep a short speech. But her past few days had been business as usual.


    Sandra pouted with a yful huff. “You’re literally the most capable one in the whole ce. If not you, then who else?”


    “Alright, alright, keep your voice down. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Ste said, signaling for her to quiet down as they headed into the hall.


    Up on the second-floor balcony, Paul stepped forward, gripping the railing as he addressed everyone below with a loud,manding voice. “Everyone, the new team leader has been decided. It’s… Nina Carter!”


    Gasps and murmurs rippled through the room.


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    “Wait, isn’t that the same Nina who tried to sabotage Sylvia? Sylvia beat her in thestpetition. So why’s Nina the one getting promoted?”


    Someone from Nina’s side overheard the conversation and scoffed. “Can’t you see what’s going on? Nina only stepped back before because she didn’t want to cause drama at work. But now that the team leader has been picked, it’s time for you to face reality.”


    Sandra got upset right away. “That’s nonsense, and you know it! Don’t forget Nina already lost to Sylvia once!”


    Nina’s face turned dark. She hated being reminded of that loss, but there was no way to deny it—it had really happened. The only thing that gave her somefort was that she’d still managed to beat Ste and be the new project leader.


    Trying to act kind and forgiving, Nina turned to Ste and said, “Let’s forget about what happened before. We’re coworkers now, so let’s just get along.”


    Ste didn’t respond. She found Nina’s fake attitude ridiculous but chose not to say anything. Instead, she looked up at Paul, who was standing on the second floor.


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