?Chapter 1025:


    As the words left his mouth, Jeff caught himself and rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. “Sorry, Ste. I shouldn’t have said so much.”


    Ste’s voice softened. “Don’t apologize. I’m d you trusted me enough to tell me.”


    They soon found a nearby bench and sat down. The golden light of sunset brushed across Jeff’s face, highlighting his youth and quiet exhaustion. Ste’s gaze dropped to the edges of his shirt—the cor was faded, the cuffs threadbare. Only then did she truly see how much hardship he had been hiding behind his calm demeanor.


    If not for what had happened earlier, Ste might never have realized how difficult Jeff’s situation truly was.


    After a brief pause, Jeff asked quietly, almost as if he feared the answer, “Ste… now that you know, do you think less of me?”


    Ste looked at him, taken aback. “What makes you think I would?”


    Jeff shifted ufortably, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve. “Because whenever people learn about my background, their attitude changes. They start treating me with pity or act like I’m beneath them. I don’t want sympathy, and I don’t want anyone to look down on me.”


    Ste looked at him with gentle seriousness. “Jeff, listen to me, a person’s value isn’t measured by money but by character and dreams. You’ve earned your schrship through hard work while studying and taking care of your mom. That’s something truly admirable.”


    Jeff lifted his head slowly, emotion flickering in his eyes.


    Ste went on, her voice calm but firm. “I’ve never judged anyone based on where theye from.”


    Jeff swallowed hard, her words clearly striking a nerve. “Thank you, Ste,” he said, his voice trembling a little. “Not many people see things that way.”


    He’d faced more than enough judgment and pity over the years because of his family’s situation.


    But Ste’s eyes stayed steady and full of conviction. “Just remember, everything you’ve got now came from your own effort. That’s worth being proud of—way more than what people get just because of their family name.”


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    Jeff looked at her for a long moment, his feelings all tangled up. Then, almost in a whisper, he asked, “Why are you so kind to me, Ste?”


    She smiled softly. “Because you deserve it. And as your senior, looking after you is just the right thing to do.”


    Jeff nodded, though a faint shadow of disappointment crossed his eyes before he quickly hid it. “Meeting you is my good fortune.”


    His words came out quiet but full of sincerity, his eyes glowing faintly in the orange light of the setting sun.


    After a brief silence, Jeff turned toward her, gathering a bit of courage. “Ste, can I treat you to a meal? You’ve helped me so much. I should’ve done this sooner.”


    He’d always believed in earning things on his own and hated the idea of feeling indebted, especially to her.


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