?Chapter 1003:


    William ced the ss of orange juice in front of her and began, “Stel, we need to talk about what’s been going on. I think there’s been some misunderstanding, and I—”


    “I’m busy right now. Please leave,” Ste interrupted, her voice sharp and cold.


    William faltered mid-exnation, his words catching in his throat as he stared at her, unsure of how to continue.


    Ste let out a sigh. “I’m in the middle of sorting experimental data for tomorrow’s work at the institute, so I don’t have the time right now.”


    She had already given a fair reason, and if William insisted on pressing further, it could easily work against him.


    Left with no better choice, he finally said, “Alright, finish your work first. We’ll talk after you’re done.”


    “Will you leave now?” she inquired.


    Even though the house belonged to him, her dismissal forced him to turn away and leave.


    That night, Ste stayed at the institutete, while Williamy awake in the master bedroom, restless and unable to sleep.


    She buried herself in work until the early hours, while he tossed and turned, unable to find even a few moments of rest. He understood that if he lingered, Ste would never agree to ride in the same car with him.


    Once she arrived at the institute, Ste immersed herselfpletely inb work, shutting out everything else around her.


    Her sharp focus struck both Sandra and Elbert as unusual, though neither of them knew how to bring it up.


    After finishing her work, Ste bid them goodbye and stepped out of the institute, her body weary from the long day.


    Umbre in hand, she debated whether to head directly home or stop by William’s residence. Lifting her gaze, she was caught off guard by the sight of a familiar ck Maybach parked along the roadside.


    The car door swung open, and Marc emerged, dressed in a gaudy pink suit and carrying both an umbre and arge bouquet of red roses.


    The moment he spotted Ste, Marc stered on what he believed was a charming smile and rushed forward. “Stel, you’re done with work. These are for you.”


    He tried to force the bouquet into her arms.


    Ste’s face darkened at once, her expression as though the flowers were something filthy. She stepped back quickly and said coldly, “Marc, why show up here again? We have no reason to cross paths anymore.”


    Marc’s smile wavered for a brief moment before he forced it back onto his face. In a pleading voice he said, “Stel, please don’t be this way. I know you’re hurt because William lied to you. I care about you. My feelings for you haven’t changed!”


    Ste shot him an icy re as she moved to pass by. “I don’t need your concern. Whatever I’m facing has nothing to do with you.”


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