?Chapter 689:


    By the time they returned from the hospital, Sandra spotted them the moment they stepped inside. Her relief turned into rm when she saw the gauze wrapped around Ste’s wrist and forearm. “Sylvia! What happened?” she asked, rushing over.


    Ste had been fine before going to get some water.


    Ste waved her off. “It’s just a small burn. Nothing serious.”


    Jamir and Elbert, who had been nearby, also turned to look. Sandra narrowed her eyes. “You burned your wrist and forearm? Was it Nina?”


    She’d overheard someone mention earlier that Ste and Nina had argued in the break room—and that William had stepped in.


    Ste thought for a second before saying, “It was an ident.”


    She didn’t think Nina had intentionally hurt her. So, it was an ident.<fn32d6> Official source is FindN0vel</fn32d6>


    But Sandra wasn’t buying it. She stormed over and examined the bandage closely, her face full of concern and anger. “An ident? Seriously? She pulled you, and the water spilled on your arm. She knew you were holding a hot cup—how is that an ident? This can’t be ignored. We’re going to Mr. Hoffman!”


    They’d put up with Nina long enough. The petty arguments, the digs during projects—they’d let it slide. But this time, she went too far. Researchers worked with their hands. A burn like that wasn’t just painful—it was risky. How would Ste work?


    To Sandra, it was undoubtedly intentional.


    Ste was genuinely touched by Sandra’s reaction. She gently ced a hand on her shoulder and said, “The doctor said it’s not serious. Just a few days of rest, and I’ll be fine. The project’s in its final stretch—we should focus on that.”


    Jamir spoke up too. “Sandra, don’t blow this up now. Nina’s probably heading back overseas once this project’s over.”


    In other words, Nina should be allowed to go quietly.


    Sandra looked like she still wanted to argue, but after ncing at Ste’s wrist one more time, she nodded reluctantly. “Fine. Workes first.”


    That was the institute’s standard—and Ste’s, too.


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    That afternoon, Ste packed up her things early. She hadn’t forgotten her promise to Rutherford—she was supposed to help him pick out a gift after work.


    William had nned to catch Ste before she finished work—to check on her burn, maybe offer to tag along for her dressing changes over the next few days. But just as he was about to step into herb, he saw her rushing out from the far end of the hallway, bag slung over her shoulder, moving quickly. He paused for a second, confused. What had her in such a hurry?


    Without thinking twice, he followed her.


    Outside the institute, Rutherford had already pulled up at the curb, leaning casually against the car door like it was routine—like they were a married couple about to hit the grocery store together after the day’s work.


    As soon as Ste stepped out of the building, Rutherford flicked away his cigarette and walked toward her.


    She looked down at her phone, reading a message from William: “How’s your burn? Sandra said you were in a hurry. Is something wrong?” Her fingers hovered over the screen, hesitating.


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