?Chapter 1015:


    William’s mood went south. The guy was way too attentive—passing Ste the napkins, refilling her ss, asking if she needed anything. Every little act of thoughtfulness only made William’s jaw tighten.


    He cleaned his utensils calmly, then shot Jeff a half-smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Mr. Norris, you sure know how to take care of people. Your girlfriend must be pretty lucky, huh?”


    Ste gave him a sharp look right away, clearly warning him to watch it.


    Jeff froze for a beat before chuckling politely. “You’re kidding, Mr. Briggs. I don’t have a girlfriend.”


    William raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Then what about someone you’ve got your eye on?”


    For just a second, Jeff’s gaze flicked toward Ste before he looked away. “No one at the moment. My focus is on my research.”


    “Besides,” he added with deliberate calm, “if I were to date, I’d go for someone rational—someone who doesn’t get upset over trivial misunderstandings.”


    That onended like a dart. William’s smile froze, his knuckles flexing around the fork.


    Under the table, Ste discreetly kicked him—a clear “don’t you dare start.”


    Professor Taylor, quick to sense the growing tension, cut in with a lightugh. “Ah, Ste was always one of my best students. It’s good for Jeff to have such an example to learn from.”


    William didn’t answer. His appetite was gone anyway. He just stared down at his te, pretending to eat while his attention stayed fixed on Jeff.


    Every time Jeff leaned closer to Ste, every time she smiled politely back, something in William’s chest twisted tighter. By the time the tes were cleared, he’d barely taken three bites.


    When Professor Taylor excused himself for another appointment, Jeff jumped at the chance, offering to drive Ste home.


    William immediately inserted himself between Ste and Jeff, his voice firm. “That won’t be necessary. I’ll take her.”


    Ste cut in before Jeff could answer. “No need. I’m meeting someone.”


    Find what’s next on g al no ve ls


    Earlier, Lainey had left the floor on her own, and Ste still wasn’t sure where she’d gone. She’d texted her during the meal to join them, but Lainey had turned down the offer.


    Since they’de together, it was only right they left together.


    In the end, all three—Ste, William, and Jeff—ended up walking through the mall together.


    When Lainey spotted them, she froze for a second, instantly realizing nothing had been resolved between Ste and William. And seeing Jeff beside Ste only made the tension worse.


    “Found her,” Ste said quickly, relieved. “I’ll head off now.”


    Jeff smiled warmly. “Goodnight, Ste. I’ll call if I need your help with my research.”


    “Sure,” Ste said, waving as he turned to leave.


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