?Chapter 1024:


    Ste’s lips curved into a faint, understanding line. She knew that sentiment too well.


    At the research institute, no matter how hard she worked or how much she aplished, people like Nina still dismissed her efforts, whispering that her sess came from favoritism rather than merit.


    When it struck her how much their struggles mirrored each other, she felt a sudden urge to encourage him. “You’re gifted, Jeff. Professor Taylor always mentions you as one of his brightest students in recent years. Believe me, the ones who think you depend on shortcuts are just a loud few.”


    A faint spark of hope flickered in Jeff’s eyes. “Are you serious? He actually said that?”


    Ste smiled and gave a reassuring nod. “He did. So stop letting those rumors get to you. And if anyone causes trouble again,e to me or Professor Taylor, alright?”


    Jeff’s expression softened with gratitude. “Thank you, Ste. I really get it now.”


    Ste’s smile was gentle. “You don’t have to thank me. It’s only right that I help.”


    Seeing how distressed he was, she couldn’t simply stand by when he needed support.


    As they strolled beneath the fading afternoon light, Ste broke the silence. “That ssmate, Richie—had you shed with him before?”


    Jeff kicked at a loose pebble, his tone subdued. “He thinks someone like me—broke and humble—shouldn’t stand in his way for the schrship. In his mind, it’s his by right.”


    The faint bitterness in his words made Ste’s chest tighten. “Jeff, don’t put yourself down like that.”


    Jeff came to a halt, his gaze drifting toward the studentsughing and running across the field. Yet his eyes seemed fixed on something much farther away.


    Lowering his head, he drew in a slow breath before turning to face Ste. A faint, weary smile curved his lips. “My family’s never had much. Dad died when I was a kid, and Mom’s been the only one holding things together. Her health’s been fragile for years, so she can only take on small jobs here and there. I started working back in high school just to cover tuition and rent.”


    Ste stayed silent, her expression softening as she let him speak.


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    Jeff’s voice remained calm, almost detached, as though he were talking about someone else’s life. “During my first year, I worked three jobs just to stay afloat. Most nights, I barely slept four hours. While my ssmates spent weekends at parties, I was scrubbing dishes in the back of a restaurant or passing out flyers at the mall. Sometimes I was so tired I’d nod off right there in ss.”


    A faint ache tugged at Ste’s chest as she pictured the scenes he described.


    Her own family hadn’t been rich either, yet she had never known the weight of wondering where the next semester’s tuition woulde from or how to afford a meal.


    After a moment’s pause, she spoke gently. “And your mother…”


    Jeff gave a small nod, his expression tightening. “She’s been on medication for years. The treatment costs a lot. That’s why I needed the schrship so badly—it’s not just about school. It helps pay for her medicine too. With this award, at least for the next year, I won’t have to keep worrying about how to make ends meet.”


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