?Chapter 1030:


    Jeff took a breath. “It’s… just about school stuff. Could youe to campus?”


    Ste’s doubts grew heavier.


    Jeff was always respectful—he’d never use that kind of firm, almostmanding tone with her. And his voice carried a nervous edge,pletely unlike his usual calm self.


    Trying to keep her tone steady, she asked, “Can’t we just talk about it on the phone?”


    Jeff’s voice trembled a little, almost pleading. “It’s better in person. It’s something sensitive, about my research direction. I’m in Lab Building, room 307, third floor. Can youe now?”


    Her chest tightened. She could tell something was wrong. Maybe he’d run into trouble again—maybe those people had bothered him once more.


    Her face darkened slightly as she replied, “I’ll be there in about thirty minutes, see you in the ssroom.”


    Jeff’s voice sounded lighter now, relieved. “Thanks, I’ll be waiting.”


    Once the call ended, Ste stood up right away.


    A bad feeling twisted in her stomach; Jeff was definitely in some kind of trouble. She worried that if she took too long, things might get worse.


    She quickly packed her stuff, tossed her keys and bag together, and pulled the door open—almost running straight into William, who was about to knock.


    They both froze for a moment before William spoke. “Heading out?”


    Ste nodded briefly, trying to move around him. “Yeah, got a few things to handle.”


    William caught the tension in her expression. “What’s wrong? You seem… off.”


    She waved it off, pretending to sound casual. “It’s nothing. Just a friend who needs help with schoolwork. I’ll be back soon.”


    William frowned slightly. “Which friend? It’s Jeff, isn’t it?”


    Ste kept quiet, though the weight of her silence said more than words ever could.


    Without missing a beat, William spoke up. “I’lle with you.”


    Lаτ??τ ch?ρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?ls.??????


    Ste’s head moved in an instant. “That’s unnecessary. It’s only an academic meeting.”


    William’s eyes stayed fixed on hers as he caught her arm gently. “Are you sure it’s only that, Stel? You forget, I can read you better than you think. Don’t try to fool me.”


    For a while, she simply looked at him, Ste’s breath unsteady, before letting out a soft sigh.


    Realizing there was no point in pretending, she finally said, “Jeff just called. Something about his voice didn’t sound right. He asked me toe to the university. I think he might be in some kind of trouble, but he couldn’t exin over the phone, so I need to see what’s going on myself.”


    William’s brow tightened further. “And you’re telling me you n to walk into a possibly risky situation by yourself?”


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