?Chapter 693:


    “Don’t worry, Ms. Gilbert,” said Rutherford. “I’m not here to interrogate you. There’s no need to exin yourself.”


    Rutherford chuckled softly, easing the lingering tension in the air. Ste managed a polite smile, trying her best to appear at ease. She didn’t need a mirror to know that her attempt fell t.


    Leaning in a little, Rutherford lowered his voice. “Winning someone over is tough, I know that, Ms. Gilbert. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting you to say yes. Friends work for me, if you’re up for it.”


    Ste had always figured someone as busy as Rutherford would retreat gracefully, expecting him to cut his losses.


    Instead, he showed no sign of letting go. If anything, his persistence only seemed to grow stronger, like he had just begun to dig his heels in. A thought struck her—maybe he wanted to challenge William. No matter how much time passed, Rutherford remained an enigma. His choices never failed to catch her off guard.


    “Would you like a ride home, Ms. Gilbert?”


    Rutherford didn’t suggest grabbing dinner after their conversation. He had enough sense to realize that if he pushed her any further, she would just close herself off.


    Ste gave him a grateful nod. “I drove myself, so there’s no need.” The cafe’s parking lot was only a few minutes away on foot.


    On another day, Rutherford would have dropped it, but his gazended on the white bandage wrapped around Ste’s hand. He pointed it out. “Your hand and arm look pretty roughed up. Are you sure you can handle driving?”


    Ste nced down at her bandaged hand, feeling a little sheepish for forgetting about her own injury.


    “I’ll take care of your car and drop it off at your ce. That way, you won’t have to worry about getting around tomorrow.”


    His easy tone caught her off guard. She looked at him and asked, “How will you get home then?”


    Rutherford gave a small shrug and replied, “My driver cane and get me.”


    Ste had to remind herself that, for someone like him, that was hardly a problem.


    The drive back was smooth, with Rutherford handling her car as if he’d done it countless times before. They pulled into the underground garage beneath her apartment building. As they cruised in, Ste’s eyes darted to William’s usual parking space. Strangely, it was empty.


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    It made her pause. It was well past the time he usually got back from work, yet he was nowhere to be found. The realization crept up on her. She had not expected to feel any concern for William, but it tugged at her anyway.


    Rutherford parked and stepped out, waiting for her to join him. “I’m calling my driver now. Would you mind if I apany you upstairs for a cup of coffee, Ms. Gilbert?”


    Rutherford had never visited Ste’s apartment before, but since they were both there, he figured he might as well ask.


    Just as Ste opened her mouth to answer, her phone rang.


    Ste shot Rutherford an apologetic look and said softly, “Sorry, I need to take this call.”


    As she answered, Steven’s voice came through the line. “Sylvia, did you lock up all of Neb Group’s old contracts?”


    “They’re in the safe,” she replied.


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