?Chapter 868:


    The next morning, Ste returned to the institute, wearing a chic scarf that covered the faint scratches on her neck. She carried herself as if nothing were wrong.


    Sandra admired the scarf, praising Ste’s taste,pletely unaware of what it concealed. Ste exhaled quietly in relief.<fndaa1> This text is hosted at find?novel</fndaa1>


    When the team gathered for the morning meeting, William showed up, brimming with energy, as if the previous day had gone especially well for him. Between sessions, he stole more than one nce in Ste’s direction, his expression filled with both concern and an unspoken urge to approach her.


    Ste refused to meet his gaze. The thought of him enjoying himself with another woman while she was in danger weighed heavily on her chest, leaving her both wounded and resentful.


    During the entire discussion, not once did their gazes meet, nor did they exchange a single word. Instead of Ste, it was Elbert who gave the presentation on behalf of her team. The report was well-received, and the data left no room for criticism.


    When lunch rolled around, Ste lingered behind deliberately, choosing to avoid the cafeteria altogether. She nned to settle for a sandwich and eat alone in her office.


    With her sandwich in hand, Ste made her way toward the elevator, only to be cut off when Nina appeared at the corner of the hallway. A smug grin stretched across Nina’s face as she looked Ste over.


    “Well, what do you know. You’re still standing. I half-expected you to show up in tears or missing a hand after yesterday.”


    The words froze Ste in ce, and her eyes hardened. “So it was you.”


    Ste hadn’t asked a question. She was certain.


    The cruel amusement in Nina’s tone confirmed what Ste already knew. No one else at the institute would stoop that low. Those men had threatened to cripple her hands, and only Nina would scheme to end her experiments.


    Fresh updates loaded gα?ησν????s?c?m


    Nina tilted her head, her smirk widening, clearly enjoying the sight of Ste’s icy re.


    “How’d it feel, screaming in an empty ce with no one rushing to help? A shame someone ruined the n, but that’s fine. We’ll get another chance.” She stepped closer, her voiceced with poisonous delight. “And in case you’re wondering, William spent yesterday afternoon with me at the equestrian club. He didn’t have the faintest idea what you were going through. Bet you’re disappointed, huh? Now you finally realize you’re not as important as you think, right?”


    The jab cut deep, yet Ste masked the sting and kept her expression cold. “If cheap stunts like this are the best you can do, then I gave you too much credit, Nina. Here’s yourst warning. Try something like this again, and I’ll make sure Grandpa hears every detail of what happened.”


    Nina’s smug grin faltered, her expression souring. She hadn’t expected Ste to actually threaten to bring Karson into this.


    “Ste, you wouldn’t dare!”


    Ste let out a coldugh, arching a brow. “That’s where you’re wrong.” Though Ste had only recently reconnected with the Carter family, she trusted Karson enough to know he could judge right from wrong.


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