?Chapter 678:


    “Next time, try asking first,” the manager said gruffly. “I’ll let it go today, but don’t make a habit of sneaking in.”


    Rutherford thanked him, and he and Ste made a quick exit. Once outside, she let out a deep breath, still tense from the close call.


    If that manager had called the police, they would’ve wasted hours clearing things up, even though they hadn’t done anything wrong.


    They packed up the equipment and headed toward the parking lot.


    As they walked, Rutherford turned to her with curiosity. “Ms. Gilbert, where’d you pick up all those skills? Got a tech genius in the family?”


    Steughed a little. “Nope. No one in my family does this. I just figured things out on my own.”


    Rutherford looked genuinely impressed. “Wow. You’ve really got talent.”<fna3fa> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FindN()vel</fna3fa>


    His straightforward praise caught her by surprise, and she replied, “Maybe it’s less about talent and more about putting in the hours. I was always the one stayingte in theb back in school.”


    Back in school, Ste had racked up her fair share of awards, something Rutherford already knew.


    In his eyes, natural talent always had the upper hand, and Ste had it in spades. She’d left even the most hardworking students in the dust without breaking a sweat.


    “Ms. Gilbert, you don’t have to downy it,” he said with a rxed smile. “You’re already ahead of the pack.”


    Ste brushed her wind-blown hair behind her ear, but before she could say anything, Rutherford spoke again. “You and William work at the same ce. I’m sure people think you two make a great pair. He’s one of the only people I’ve seen with talent like yours.”


    Her smile faded, reced by a dry look. “Mr. Briggs is just my boss. That’s it.”


    Rutherford gave a smallugh. “At that birthday party, it didn’t look that way. He seemed a bit too focused on you.”


    He hadn’t said anything that night to keep thingsfortable for Ste, but now he was hoping she’d be more honest about it.


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    She let out a quiet sigh. “I can’t help how he feels. But for me, he’s nothing more than my boss.”


    Her voice was steady, and her gaze didn’t waver. Rutherford could tell she meant every word.


    The answer left him quietly delighted, and his steps slowed as if to savor the moment.


    “Well then,” he said lightly, “since William’s off the table, how about giving me a chance instead?”


    Ste came to a full stop, blinking at him in surprise. “Seriously? Don’t mess around like that.”


    To her, it felt like a joke… how could it not? They’d only run into each other a few times, maybe half a dozen at most.


    It was hard for her to believe Rutherford would develop feelings for her so fast.


    Rutherford stopped too and turned to face her squarely. “In case I wasn’t clear earlier, let me say it again properly.”


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