?Chapter 688:


    “If you’re using me of cheating, then show me the evidence. And as for my marriage with Marc—that’s none of your business, Miss Carter. Maybe focus on your own research instead of digging into my life.”


    She turned to leave, but her words clearly struck a nerve.


    Nina—proud,petitive, and obsessed with maintaining her image—couldn’t stomach the hit to her ego. She grabbed Ste’s arm in a sh, trying to yank her back. “Don’t walk away from me! William gave you that data—why won’t you admit it?!”


    Ste had been holding a cup full of hot water. The sudden tug made her stumble, and the cup tilted. Scalding water sshed over her wrist. She hissed in pain.


    Before she could even react, a strong arm wrapped around her shoulders, yanking her away from Nina.


    “What the hell are you doing?” William’s voice was low and furious as he shielded Ste.


    Nina froze. Why was William here? Didn’t he have his own office? What was he doing in the break room? And worse—he saw everything. He saw Ste get burned.


    Her mind spun, but she had no time to process before she blurted out in disbelief, “You burned yourself on purpose, didn’t you?”


    Ste was in too much pain to speak, the searing burn across her wrist and forearm radiating with such intensity that she could only clench her teeth, every nerve screaming under the scalding aftermath.


    William’s gaze darkened as he turned to Nina, his voice cold and clipped. “I warned you before. This institute is for research, not for stirring up drama. What happened today won’t just slide.”


    Then he looked at Ste, and just like that, his tone shifted—gentle, concerned. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”


    Nina’s heart twisted. His partiality was obvious.<fn5088> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find{n}ovel</fn5088>


    She quickly tried to exin, her voice trembling. “William, I didn’t do anything! I was just asking her a question and she kept dodging it—then the water spilled! I didn’t mean—” She genuinely didn’t mean to hurt Ste.


    William didn’t even nce back; he was already guiding Ste. Nina leaned weakly against the table as they left. Her chest felt tight, her heart like it had just been wrung out. Why didn’t he believe her?


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    Outside, Ste tried to ease out of his grip. “It’s just a minor burn. I can handle it.”


    William’s jaw tightened. “You’re resisting me this much? You won’t even let me drive you to the hospital?”


    She looked away, lips pressed into a tight line, her face pale from the pain. She tried to pull her hand back again, but William held on firmly, unwilling to let go.


    “You’re hurt. Let me help.”


    “I said I’ve got it.”


    They stood in tense silence, staring each other down.


    Finally, William sighed, his voice softer. “I’ll take you. I won’t go in with you if that makes you ufortable—I’ll wait in the car. That okay?”


    Ste hesitated, then gave in. “Let go of my hand first.”


    He let go. She flexed her wrist carefully, then climbed into the back seat of his Rolls-Royce without another word.


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