?Chapter 707:


    Then he raised his ss, finished his wine, and walked off just as Josie returned.


    Rutherford’s words kept echoing in Ste’s ears.


    Even after Josie returned, she was still dazed, stuck in that moment.


    Happy for her?


    Ste hadn’t even figured out how to face her feelings for William yet.


    After the birthday party, Ste found herself feeling drained and overwhelmed. Since she’d had a few drinks, driving wasn’t an option. She called for a driver to take her home.<fnce11> Find the newest release on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fnce11>


    Just as she stepped outside, Josie hurried after her and said, “Stel, you’re heading out already? They haven’t even cut the cake yet.”


    Ste pressed her fingers to her temple, looking tired. “I’m just not feeling great. I think I’ll go home.”


    Josie was hoping to convince her to stay a little longer, but when she saw how tired Ste looked, she gave in and said, “All right, just text me when you get home, okay?”


    Ste was grateful that Josie didn’t push the issue. She got into the car and let the party fade behind her.


    Over the next few days, Ste threw herself into herb work at the research institute, doing everything she could to block out Rutherford’s words from the party.


    But soon, whispers started making their way around the institute. “Apparently, William’s been spending time with some woman after hours. No one knows who she is, but she’s definitely not from around here.” “Is that his real fiancée, then?” someone else chimed in.


    Ste caught bits of the gossip and instantly knew who they meant.


    It had to be Amanda’s daughter, the same girl she’d seen at the party.


    Ste was so deep in thought, she almost bumped into Nina in the hallway. Since herst blunder, Nina had been keeping a low profile, most likely because of the scolding she got from William.


    She nced at Ste from head to toe, then let out a sly smirk. “Guess neither of us made the cut, huh? He’s clearly into someone else now.”


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    Ste looked at her evenly. “I was neverpeting with you,” she replied.


    Honestly, what was the point in fighting over men?


    Nina’s jaw tightened, her eyes filled with frustration.


    “Why is it always you or that foreigner?” Nina snapped. “I’m just as good as both of you, so why doesn’t he ever see me?”


    Nina had always seen Ste as her biggest rival; only now was she realizing there were more yers in the game.


    Ste’s patience was fraying. Nina’s endless love-life drama was exhausting.


    “I’ve got work to finish,” she said firmly. “If you want to vent, pick someone else.”


    After all, there were plenty at the institute who lived for Nina’s drama.


    Ste picked up her notes and walked off. She stayed focused on her research the rest of the day, blocking out all distractions.


    After work, Sharon called with a lead about Ste’s adoptive parents. If Ste was free, they could go see the site where everything happened.


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