?Chapter 987:


    Was it still about her adoptive parents?


    And yet, she’d agreed to be with him. So… were they a couple now?


    All these questions buzzed inside William’s head. For the first time, he felt confused and uncertain — totally different from his usual confident self.


    That guy was young, full of energy, and shared a lot inmon with Ste.


    They could talk shop for hours, and the way he looked at her, his eyes lit up.


    Compared to him, the guy did seem warmer and more enthusiastic.


    For the first time, William felt insecure — like he was being outdone by a college kid who hadn’t even graduated yet.


    If any of his friends, especially Steven, found out, they’d definitely crack up at his expense.


    William stood there, watching Ste and Lainey walk away. His thin lips pressed into a tight, cold line, and a dark, heavy mood settled over him. He absentmindedly shoved his hand in his pocket, knuckles clenched so hard they nched.


    The ring with the snake-and-sword insignia he’d hidden burned like fire under his skin, sending a sharp sting to his heart.


    The drive back was even more suffocating than the morning. The silence between them buzzed with awkwardness — both hiding secrets, neither knowing how to break the ice.


    William gripped the steering wheel tight, eyes locked on the road, jaw clenched. Finally, at a red light, he broke the silence.


    His voice was low, trying to sound calm but not quite pulling it off. “That guy earlier… I never met him.”


    Ste stared out the window, sounding distracted. “Oh, he’s Professor Taylor’s new grad student. Name’s Jeff Norris. Professor Taylor asked me to give him some advice.”


    Jeff Norris.


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    William repeated the name in his mind, as if weighing it on his tongue. “He does seem very young.”


    Ste’s tone stayed t, like she was just stating a boring fact.


    “Yeah, he hasn’t graduated yet. He’s a few years younger than me.” She’d finished school years ago — almost thirty now.


    Her casual answer eased William’s nerves a little. Maybe he was just overthinking things. Maybe the guy really just wanted some academic help.


    William took a deep breath, trying to push down the frustration building inside. His voice softened. “So, what do you want to eat tonight? I know a good spot. Want to try it out?”


    He wanted to have dinner with her, hoping the rxed vibe would give him a chance to figure out why she’d been so coldtely.


    Ste’s hands clenched tight in herp.


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