Chapter 690:


    Just then, the re of a horn ripped through the air.


    Startled, Ste looked up—only to see a truck barreling toward her. She froze, legs locked.


    “Ste!” William’s panicked shout echoed from the entrance.


    Before she could even turn, a firm hand grabbed her arm and yanked her backward—hard. She stumbled into a solid chest, arms instinctively clutching at it.


    Looking up, she realized it was Rutherford.


    Normally calm andposed, his face was pale, a sheen of sweat on his forehead. He looked like he’d just had the scare of his life.


    Ste’s heart was thudding so hard it felt like it might burst. She took a few shaky breaths before she managed to speak. “Thank you… Mr. Schoenberg.” If he hadn’t pulled her back in time, who knew what would’ve happened?


    “Damn, thank God you’re okay,” Rutherford said, hands braced on his hips as he let out a long breath. “That scared the hell outta me.”


    He had never felt such a scare in his entire life.


    Ste blinked, still dazed. She could’ve sworn she’d heard William’s voice. She looked back across the street—nothing. Had she imagined it?


    Rutherford caught her gaze. “What is it?”


    “I thought I heard Mr. Briggs,” she murmured. “Guess I was wrong.”


    He nodded. “Must’ve been. I didn’t see him anywhere.”


    Brushing off the thought, she said, “Let’s go. Tell me about your partner’s preferences on the way.”


    Rutherford reached for the passenger door, but something caught his eye—her arm. The bandage. “You hurt your arm?”


    Ste couldn’t remember how many times she had answered this question today. She gave a helpless littleugh. “I spilled hot water. It’s fine.”


    He didn’t press further. Instead, he opened the door for her, then drove her to a cafe with a uniquely quiet charm.<fn0114> Get full chapters from F?nd-Novel</fn0114>


    Across the street, hidden just out of view, William finally stepped out from the shadows.


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    He’d seen it all: the truck, Ste’s frozen panic, Rutherford’s arms around her. And the moment he saw Rutherford protect her, he turned and walked away. She already had someone. He didn’t need to be there.


    From the institute entrance, Nina had seen it too. She saw both William and Rutherford panicking when Ste was in danger—saw how William’s whole posture deted once Rutherford pulled Ste out of danger.


    Nina crossed her arms, a trace of smugness in her tone. “William, you saw it with your own eyes. She doesn’t have feelings for you.”


    William’s face darkened at the sound of her voice.


    Nina thought he’d finally snap—thought maybe, just maybe, he’d be angry at Ste this time. But when she stepped closer, the look he gave her made her heart skip. His eyes were icy cold, not with anger toward Ste, but toward her.


    “Nina,” he said, his voice low and sharp, “have I been too lenient with you?”


    Nina stiffened. “What, just because Ste didn’t pick you, you’re going to take it out on me now?”


    Was he seriously ming her?


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