?Chapter 685:


    Once again, Ste was reminded—connections really were everything.


    This database wasn’t exactly trending. Barely anyone hadpiled it. And somehow, of all people, Rutherford knew the guy who did. If this had happened before today, she might’ve thought it was all staged. But he couldn’t have known they needed it until she posted online.


    So—just pure luck. One crazy coincidence.


    “Thank you, Mr. Schoenberg. This… really helps our team a lot.” She fumbled for the right words.


    A simple thank-you over the phone just didn’t feel like enough.


    Rutherford didn’t make a big deal of it. “Happy to help. No need to overthink it, Ms. Gilbert.”


    Still holding the phone, Ste said sincerely, “I owe you one. If you ever need a favor, just ask. I won’t hesitate.”


    There was a short pause on the other end, then Rutherford said, “Actually… there is something I could use your help with.”


    “Sure, go ahead.”


    “Next week’s the wedding anniversary of one of my business partners and her husband. We’ve worked together for years, and I’d like to get her something thoughtful. The problem is—I have no clue what women like for anniversaries. Could you help me pick something out?”


    Picking gifts wasn’t hard for Ste. But not knowing the recipient’s personality or preferences made it trickier.


    “Could you tell me what your partner is into? Their hobbies?” she asked.


    Rutherford’s voice was deep and steady. “Hard to exin over the phone. If you’re okay with it, maybe we could talk it over in person after work?”


    Ste agreed without much thought. He’d helped her, and now it was her turn. She wasn’t the type to dodge a favor.


    After ending the call, Ste quickly forwarded the data to her team.


    One by one, surprised reactions flooded in.


    Sandra was the first to respond: “Sylvia, you’re literally a goddess. I’ve been frying myptop all day, and you somehow pulled this out of thin air??”


    Explore new chapters galηovels.c○m


    Jamir chimed in: “So… does this mean we can move forward with the experiment tomorrow?”


    Then Elbert popped in: “Where did you find this file, Sylvia? Did you get in touch with the author directly?”


    Sandra suddenlymented, “Wait—Elbert! What’s with your WhatsApp name? BillyBob? That does not match your vibe at all!”<fnb5cb> Official source is find[?]ovel</fnb5cb>


    Elbert (a.k.a. BillyBob) typed back: “What? What’s wrong with it?”


    Ste leaned back in her chair, letting out a long breath as the group chat slowly shifted from work to idle banter.


    She’d just closed her eyes for a quick breather when a knock sounded at the door—firm and familiar. She didn’t need to check. She already knew who it was: William.


    Their interactions had been frequent enough that she could practically recognize him by the rhythm of his knock alone.


    .


    .


    .