?Chapter 620:


    To him, Nina wasn’t officially part of their research institute and they weren’t close. Using a formal title seemed more appropriate.


    Nina’s heart sank at his cold tone. Trying to keep herposure, she corrected herself. “Then, Mr. Briggs, could you have dinner with me tonight? I just got promoted to project leader, and I have a few things I’d like to ask your advice on.”


    William rested his hands together and said calmly, “If you have questions, you can ask me now. I’m free.”<fn4088> ?????? ???? find{n}ovel</fn4088>


    Being turned down a second time hit Nina hard. She looked away and gently bit her lip, not ready to believe that Ste was better than her.


    Still, she asked a few general questions, which William answered patiently and clearly.


    Once their conversation seemed to be wrapping up, she added, “Mr. Briggs, I don’t know if you remember, but I used to be at a research institute abroad. My uncle, Henry Saunders, was also my mentor. He told me to treat you to a meal on his behalf. I hope you wouldn’t mind epting for his sake?”


    Realizing her own invitation wasn’t enough, Nina decided to bring up her uncle. William remembered Henry well. They had met several times abroad. Henry had treated William like a close friend, and William had respected him deeply in return.


    Even after William returned home, they still stayed in touch asionally. Hearing that the invitation came from Henry changed things. William no longer felt it was something to refuse.


    “Of course I don’t mind,” he replied. “But since you’vee all this way to join us, I should be the one treating you. Let me handle the dinner.”


    A bright smile broke out on Nina’s face at his response. “Then I won’t argue over it. I’ll go ahead and book the restaurant now—good ces fill up fast!”


    However, just as she turned to leave, William spoke up calmly. “Miss Carter, I’ve got something else nned for tonight. Let’s reschedule for tomorrow.”


    Nina’s smile faded instantly. Her hand, which had just reached for her phone, suddenly stopped mid-air. “Mr. Briggs… is it something important tonight?” she asked, trying to sound casual.


    William gave a simple nod. “Yes, it’s quite important.”


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    A wave of embarrassment washed over Nina. She had invited him to dinner, even brought up her influential uncle, Henry Saunders, and yet William had chosen to spend the evening grocery shopping with Ste? Couldn’t he have done that any other time? Was Ste really that important to him?


    Holding back her frustration, Nina forced a tight smile. “Alright then, tomorrow it is.”


    Once she stepped out of his office, her forced smile instantly dropped. Fuming, she stomped her foot on the floor in frustration before walking away.


    Meanwhile, inside the office, William cast a quick nce at the untouched coffee Nina had brought him. Without a second thought, he turned back to his work.


    He hadn’t liked the taste, and the coffee had been left to sit and cool. When Luca arrived from Briggs Group, William gestured to the cup. “Get rid of that coffee.”


    Luca raised a brow in surprise. For a second, it almost felt like being back at Briggs Group, where William regrly rejected anything he didn’t like without hesitation.


    He took the cup to the restroom. As soon as he took a sip, he realized it wasn’t the usual brew William preferred. Clearly, it hadn’t been made by William. Could Ste have made it?


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