?Chapter 1027:


    The moment she set her phone down, another message came through: “I’m at the school gate.”


    Ste nearly dropped her cup, her fingers tightening around it as a startled tremor passed through her. Logic told her William couldn’t possibly be there, yet her eyes still darted across the cafeteria.


    Jeff noticed her sudden unease and leaned forward with concern. “Ste, are you alright?”


    “I’m fine.” A strained smile flickered across Ste’s face, masking the irritation simmering beneath. The thought gnawed at her—was William actually tailing her?


    Dinner passed in uneasy silence. Ste’s fork moved, but her thoughts were miles away.


    Her eyes darted about the cafeteria, an edge of unease in every nce, as if half-expecting William to suddenly appear before her.


    When they stepped out of the cafeteria, Ste nced at Jeff and asked, “Do you still have any sses this afternoon?”


    Jeff gave a small shake of his head. “No, not today. Though I do need to stop by Professor Taylor’sb soon.”


    He paused briefly before adding in a quieter tone, “Thank you for everything today. Not just for stepping in with those guys, but for everything else too.”


    Ste gave a faint smile. “No need to thank me. I’ll remember to prepare that rmendation letter. Make sure to send me your resume sometime this week.”


    Jeff’s expression softened with gratitude. “I will. Take care, Ste.”


    With a small nod, Ste turned away and made her way toward the school gate.


    Unaware that several students had wandered past the bench where she and Jeff had sat earlier, she didn’t notice one of them discreetly snapping photos from afar. The faint sound of the camera shutter blended with the rustle of leaves, unnoticed by either of them.


    When Ste arrived at the school gate, her steps faltered for an instant. Parked right out front was William’s familiar car.


    When she drew nearer, the tinted window slid down with a soft hum, revealing William seated inside, his faceposed and unreadable.


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    “Are you following me?” Ste’s tone turned frigid as she asked the question.


    William’s reply came smoothly, unruffled. “I’m protecting you, not stalking. I said I’d keep you safe without interfering.”


    Ste’s patience frayed. “Protecting me? Then exin how you knew I was on campus. You had to be there yourself. Don’t tell me you’ve started monitoring me now.”


    Rather than respond, William changed the subject. “The guy from earlier—was that Jeff?”


    In that instant, Ste’s doubts solidified into certainty.


    William’s eyes had caught sight of her with Jeff earlier, and that alone exined his sudden offer to give her a ride.


    Irritation shed across Ste’s face. “William, I don’t owe you an exnation about the people I talk to.”


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