?Chapter 695:


    He’d assumed Rutherford came to see William.


    But Rutherford leaned back in his seat and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “No need.”


    He’d already seen all he needed to see. Going up now would be pointless.


    The car pulled out of the underground garage and drove off into the distance.


    Ste stepped into Neb Group and took the elevator up, certain that William wouldn’t show up for something this minor. But when the elevator doors opened and she walked into the office, she froze for a second—William was right there on the couch with Steven.


    Steven spotted her first and waved. “Sylvia, finally! We were two seconds away from calling someone to crack that safe open.”


    Ste let out a wry smile, half amused, half exasperated. Sure, the safe technically belonged to Neb, so if they wrecked it, thepany would just buy a new one. And really, she didn’t care all that much about the safe itself. But judging by the sleek build, it definitely wasn’t cheap.


    She handed the keys over to Steven. “Here. Everything’s in there. I’m heading out.”


    If not for thisst-minute errand, she’d probably be home by now—lounging on her couch, scrolling through her phone, enjoying her peace.


    Seeing she was about to leave, Steven quickly stepped in. “Wait, since you’re already here, why not grab dinner with us? You and William live in the sameplex anyway. You could head back together.”


    As he spoke, he threw a quick look William’s way. He was trying to create an opening for William. He fixed William with a pointed look, urging him to say something and not just sit there like a statue.


    William cleared his throat. “There are a few good spots nearby. What do you feel like eating? I’ll have Luca make a reservation.”


    His tone was calm, but it carried that usual hint ofmand—like he wasn’t asking, just expecting her to say yes.


    She shook her head, her voice cooler than before. “No thanks. I’ve got groceries at home. I’ll make my own food.”


    Steven blinked in surprise. He hadn’t seen thating. Ste rarely turned down invites like this, not so bluntly. And then he remembered what William had told him earlier, before she arrived.


    Half an hour earlier…


    Steven nudged William with his shoulder, grinning. “So? What’s thetest with Sylvia? You making any moves?”


    William frowned slightly, jaw tense. “She’s been avoiding me. Looks like she’s getting close to Rutherford.”


    Steven froze, stunned. “Wait, seriously? Rutherford took her away from you?”


    Thement hit a nerve. William’s face darkened, a sh of cold frustration flickering in his eyes.


    Sensing he’d struck a chord, Steven dropped his voice. “Why’s she dodging you? Got any theories? Or is Rutherford just more her type?”


    It didn’t make any sense to him. Rutherford and William weren’t that different. Both were sharp, sessful, from solid backgrounds. Both kept their distance from strangers, rarely let anyone in. William had a cold,manding edge, while Rutherford leaned more toward charming and easygoing. It was like choosing between a stern, no-nonsense boss and a chill senior who always had your back. If she really liked Rutherford’s type, why had she rejected William in the first ce?<fnc980> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n </fnc980>


    “You sure she’s into him?” Steven pressed.


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