?Chapter 779:


    This was her family’s tragedy, yet she couldn’t intervene—forced to rely on William’s investigation while she stood by helplessly.


    Seeing the storm in her eyes, William exhaled quietly. “Ste, I know you resent my family and don’t trust me. But I’m asking for a little time, and a little faith.”


    His voice softened, carrying a quiet ache. “I’m not doing this for my family. I’m doing it for you, and for those two innocent lives. I swore to you that the truth woulde out—whatever it may be. I won’t cover anything up.”


    The hallway fell into a heavy silence, broken only by Ste’s uneven breaths. William’s words felt like a key pressing against the lock of her tightly shut heart.


    She knew this was all he could give her.


    He had even promised not to hide the truth, not knowing who the culprit was. But if it turned out to be his father or grandfather, could he really stay impartial?


    Bitterness welled up inside her.


    She longed for justice for her adoptive parents, but when she looked at William, she felt utterly lost.


    Her chest rose with a deep sigh as she turned away, her tone returning to its frosty edge. “Thank you for your efforts, but I’ll pursue the truth in my own way.”


    She pressed her fingertip against the keypad and unlocked the door. Without another nce, she stepped inside and mmed it shut, cutting off William’s unspoken reply.


    He stood staring at the door for a long while, then rubbed at his temples, weariness weighing on him. Breaking through her walls would not be easy. Still, he had no intention of giving up because of her sharp words.


    Atst, he turned and opened his own door, leaving only the faint trace of their presence lingering in the hallway, evidence of what had just transpired.


    Back home, Ste showered, but though her body was drained, sleep eluded her. She tossed restlessly until dawn before finally drifting off.


    The following morning, faint shadows darkened the skin beneath her eyes as she arrived at the research institute.


    Walking toward theb, she tried to push William’s words from her mind, forcing herself to focus on her experiments.


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    She had let herself be distracted for far too long, unable to properly concentrate on her work.


    But just as she entered the hallway leading to theb, a voice dripping with jealousy and spite cut through the air.


    “Well, if it isn’t the distinguished Miss Carter?”


    Nina strutted up in a bold red dress, arms folded, her face radiating raw scorn as she squared off with Ste.


    “How’s it feel climbing the socialdder? Bet you’re grinning in your sleep.”


    Ste halted, her gaze cutting cold as she locked onto Nina’s mocking stare.


    Hatred gleamed in Nina’s eyes, sharp enough to wound. Ste didn’t flinch.<fnc80d> The rightful source is Find[?]ovel</fnc80d>


    “Move aside.” Her voice was cool, unwilling to waste more words.


    Nina stiffened, her toneced with venom.


    “Who do you think you are, bossing me around? Just because Grandpa took you in doesn’t make you better than me. You’re still nothing—no matter how you dress it up.”


    Ste found Nina’s outburst almost amusing.


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