?Chapter 652:


    Paul nodded in understanding. He felt the same. Still, Nina’s situation was different from the ones they had dealt with before, like Nathalia and Cecelia. This wasn’t something they could rush. It had to be handled carefully.


    A week before Ste’s birthday, things at the research institute were still moving at their usual fast pace.


    One afternoon, Sandra came over with a curious smile and asked, “Hey, Sylvia, isn’t your birthdaying up soon?”


    Ste blinked in surprise. “How do you know that?”<fne1a5> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? findnovel</fne1a5>


    She hadn’t told anyone about it, especially not at work.


    Sandra grinned mischievously. “That’s a secret! So, what are your ns? Doing anything special this year? If not, I could ask Elbert and the others to book a karaoke room. We could all hang out and have some fun!”


    True to her energetic nature, Sandra was clearly in the mood to celebrate. But Ste shook her head gently. “Not this time. I just want to take it easy at home. I’m nning to spend the day resting. No outings this year.”


    The truth was, she had been exhausting herselftely. Between stayingte at work, managing the demands of theb, and trying to keep up with what everyone expected from her, she was running on empty. It was no wonder she feltpletely worn out.


    Luckily, there was a rule at the institute, one William had personally put in ce, that allowed staff to take the day off on their birthday.


    Ste had decided a while ago that she would use that chance to stay in, sleep as much as she wanted, and give herself a break.


    “Oh? That’s a shame, but I get it,” Sandra said, sounding a bit disappointed but understanding. She could see how tired Ste had beentely. With a small sigh, she turned back to her workstation and returned to her experiments.


    The day before her birthday, Ste stayed a littlete at work to wrap things up and submitted a leave request to Paul before leaving.


    Paul noticed the date and immediately realized it was her birthday. Without saying anything, he stamped the approval and sent it through.


    The next morning, Ste finally got the rest she’d been craving. She didn’t open her eyes until almost noon. Just as she was stretching under the covers, the doorbell rang.


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    Still a little groggy, she dragged herself to the door and opened it to find a delivery person holding a bouquet. “Good afternoon, Ms. Russell. These are for you. Happy birthday,” the courier said with a polite smile as he handed over the flowers.


    Ste blinked in confusion. She hadn’t ordered any flowers. Still, she took them inside and set them down on the table.


    Attached was a small card. There was no name, no message, just two simple words: “Happy Birthday.”


    She stared at the flowers for a moment. They weren’t the usual roses or lilies—each one was unique and unfamiliar, yet stunning in its own way.


    As she tried to guess who might have sent them, her phone buzzed on the table.


    It was a message from William.


    “Do you like the flowers? Happy Birthday!”


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