?Chapter 642:


    Before he could get another word in, the line cut off.


    Once they were settled at the restaurant, Ste nced at Josie and asked casually, “Why were you so sharp with Mr. Harrison back there?”


    Josie let out a quiet sigh, her expression tinged with helplessness. “Stel, you know I don’t like guys whoe on too strong. Especially not when we barely know each other.”


    It wasn’t that Josie disliked Steven—she just didn’t feel anything special for him either. From the first time they met, he had been flirty and lighthearted. Then, out of nowhere, he started showing obvious interest in her. But how could someone catch feelings after just one meeting? Without even knowing anything real about her?<fn490e> Content originallyes from find~novel</fn490e>


    To Josie, it all felt superficial. And given Steven’s background, it was hard not to assume he was just ying around. That kind of guy didn’t deserve her time or her niceness. So no—she didn’t feel the need to be polite.


    “I think Mr. Harrison really likes you, though,” Ste said thoughtfully. “You’ve run into him a few times now. Are you sure you don’t feel anything?”


    Josie looked


    Genuinely surprised, she said, “No! I only know the guy’s name—Steven Harrison. That’s it. What would I even be interested in? His face?”


    She wrinkled her nose as if the very idea were ridiculous. Falling for someone just because they were good-looking? That was so not her.


    Ste couldn’t help but sigh silently. Josie was tough—and cautious. If Steven really wanted a shot, he was going to have to put in some serious effort. Winning her over wouldn’t be easy.


    After Ste, Josie, and Sharon finished their meal, they headed back to the airport,pleted the boarding process, and boarded their flight.


    It was yet another long, exhausting journey. By the time their ne touched down, it was already the early morning of the third day since they had left for their trip.


    At the airport, the three friends hugged and parted ways, each heading home. Ste dragged her somewhat weary body back home. Just as she was standing at her doorstep, she heard the sound of a door opening behind her.


    She turned around and, just as she guessed, saw William standing there in his loungewear.


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    Gone was his usual sharp suit. Instead, he was wearing something loose and casual, which made him look softer and more approachable.


    His hair, normally styled with precision, now fell naturally across his forehead in messy waves.


    It gave him an oddly gentle charm Ste hadn’t seen before.


    She blinked and smiled faintly. “Mr. Briggs? What a surprise. Are you heading out at this hour?”


    William returned her smile, his tone calm but warm. “No, I was waiting for you.”


    His blunt answer made Ste pause for a second.


    Gripping the doorknob, she asked quietly, “Why were you waiting for me?”


    William’s expression didn’t change. He exined, “I was at a meeting the day the incident happened. I didn’t know what had gone on at the research institute until I returned and heard you’d been used of giarism. I tried contacting you, but Paul said you had taken leave.”


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