?Chapter 991:


    Jeff, worried he might have said the wrong thing, asked nervously, “Ste, did your taste change? Do you not like Americanos anymore?”


    Ste shook her head as she slid into the seat across from him. “I still do. Thank you. Now, tell me which details you’re stuck on. I’ll go through them with you.”


    For the next couple of hours, she patiently broke down each point.


    Although the issues themselves were rather minor, Jeff picked them up quickly — most of the time, one exnation was enough, which made the process smooth for her.


    In addition, Ste realized that sitting with him put her at ease.


    He never pressed Ste or strayed into meaningless chatter. Their talks stayed strictly academic, and that focus allowed her to let go of her heavier burdens for a while. Her brow eased, and genuine smiles even appeared here and there.


    Every so often, Jeff stole a nce at her, his eyes holding nothing but admiration and respect.


    He voiced that admiration without hesitation. “Ste, you’re brilliant. I’ve never met anyone who can exin these problems with such rity. You’re truly remarkable!”


    A hint of shyness crept over Ste at his praise, and she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re quick to understand, so it doesn’t take much effort from me.”


    Once their discussion wound down, the two of them left the café side by side, the sky already painted with the glow of sunset.


    The evening breeze picked up strength, tugging at Ste’s knee-length dress until the hem snagged on a branch jutting out from the green belt nearby. She kept walking, unaware, until a faint tearing sound made her stop short. The fabric had split along the side, leaving a clear gap.


    Startled, Ste gasped softly and froze, her hand flying to cover the tear. The rip climbed dangerously high toward her thigh, and without her hand pressed there, it would have exposed far too much.


    While she fumbled in panic, Jeff rushed over. “Don’t move, Ste!”


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    In one smooth motion, he shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it securely around her waist, shielding the tear from view.


    Every gesture was careful, his eyes full of concern and edged with shy restraint. “The wind’s strong tonight. This will cover the tear and keep you warmer. I hope it’s all right with you.”


    The faint scent of detergent clung to the fabric, and when Ste noticed the blush creeping up his ears, she found herself smiling. “Thanks.”


    As Ste looked at him, Lainey’s words returned to her — Jeff was sweet, gentle, and utterly endearing.


    And at that moment, Ste had to admit Lainey’s judgment seemed urate.


    Jeff shed a grin, his small canines showing and giving him an easy, sunlit charm. “You’re being far too formal, Ste.”


    After speaking, he paused as if a new thought had struck him, then nced her way once more.


    “My ssmate told me he brought the reference material he promised. But right now, he’s with his girlfriend at a private cinema just ahead. Would you minding with me to pick it up? We’ll leave as soon as I have it, and it won’t take long.”


    His tone carried a note of hesitation, and his clear eyes held only sincerity, with not a trace of hidden intent.


    The words gave Ste pause. A private cinema… the thought carried a faint sense of intimacy.


    Yet when she caught the earnest look on his face and remembered the kindness Jeff had just shown with her torn dress, she scolded herself for imagining the worst. Not every request carried secret motives.


    Atst, she nodded and answered softly. “Alright. I’lle with you.”


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