?Chapter 1023:


    Having made her point clear, Ste motioned dismissively. “That’s enough. You can go now—and make sure this doesn’t happen again.”


    The heavier man hurried to grab Richie by the sleeve, muttered a quick thanks to Ste, and pulled his reluctant friend along.


    When Richie and hispanions finally disappeared, the area fell silent, leaving only Ste and Jeff standing there.


    A light breeze drifted past, brushing through Jeff’s untidy hair as he kept his head bowed, avoiding Ste’s eyes.


    His voice came out low and unsteady, tinged with nervousness. “Thank you for helping me, Ste. I’m sorry if I dragged you into this.”


    Ste gave a small shake of her head, her tone soft but reassuring. “You don’t need to apologize. None of this was your fault. Are you hurt anywhere?”


    Jeff forced a faint smile. “I’m fine. They just pushed me around a little.”


    Without realizing it, his hand drifted to his shoulder, rubbing the spot where he’d been shoved. The small gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Ste.


    “You’re certain you’re okay? If you’re still in pain, I can take you to the infirmary.”


    Jeff raised his hand in a quick motion. “Really, I’m alright.” After a short pause, his tone softened to a near whisper. “It’s just… a little humiliating, having you see me like that.”


    Ste hadn’t anticipated his honesty. The golden light of the setting sun brushed across half his face, painting his features with a quiet sadness.


    All at once, Ste spoke up. “How about a walk?”


    Jeff blinked, caught off guard, though a faint spark of joy brightened his expression. “Only if you’re not busy.”


    He didn’t want to impose on her time, even if every part of him longed to stay near her a little longer. So, as always, he kept his feelings neatly contained.


    The walkway stretched beneath the canopy of trees as the pair strolled in near silence, their footsteps the only sound filling the gentle breeze.


    While Jeff stayed quiet beside her, Ste wrestled with how to start a conversation. After a long moment, she finally asked, “Do they pick on you often? You should let Professor Taylor know about it.”


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    Professor Taylor was known for his fairness, and Ste was certain that if Jeff spoke up, those two would never dare to bother him again.


    Jeff kept his gaze low as he spoke, his tone even. “Richie’s father sits on the school board and has pull around here. I’d rather not stir up trouble. And honestly, they’re notpletely wrong. My family’s struggling. I depend on schrships and part-time work to stay in school. Making noise about it would only draw attention I don’t need.”


    Almost no one at the university knew how difficult things were for Jeff’s family. Richie only learned through his father’s connections on the board.


    If word spread further, Jeff feared the whispers would follow—that he wasn’t hardworking, just desperate for pity.


    Jeff’s tone was gentle, yet there was an unmistakable firmness beneath it. “I’d rather be recognized for what I can do than pitied for what I’ve been through.”


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