?Chapter 1068:


    She had never thought Nina would sink that low—using Jeff’s desperation to reel him into her scheme.


    After a moment, Jeff spoke again, his voice cautious. “Did you and Mr. Briggs… argue or something? You two seemed kind of tense back there.”


    Ste froze. Her eyes drifted toward the window, watching the streetlights blur into streaks of gold.


    She wasn’t angry—just drained. William’s jealous tone still rang in her ears, sharp and unnecessary.


    Jeff had already been through enough; thest thing he needed was to be caught in the middle.


    But William had let his temper re anyway, tossing out words that stung more than he realized.


    And worst of all, he’d blurted in front of Jeff that Ste was his girlfriend, like her choices didn’t matter.


    They’d ended things long ago, but he still spoke as if the past had a hold on her.


    The city raced by outside, neon lights shing across Ste’s face as she pressed her sore arm against herp. She didn’t speak, didn’t move. She just kept breathing through the ache in her chest.


    Jeff’s gaze lingered on her profile, his throat tightening.


    When she’d burst into the warehouse to save him, something in him shifted. He’d realized what he felt for her went far beyond admiration.


    Seeing her hurt because of him tore him apart—guilt tangled with something raw and unfamiliar.


    Aside from his mother, no one had ever cared enough to put themselves on the line for him.


    He and Ste barely knew each other outside the ssroom, but she hadn’t hesitated.


    She could’ve walked away when things turned dangerous—but she didn’t. She’d stepped right into the fire for him.


    That thought sent a rush of heat through him, scattering reason like smoke. He swallowed, then said, “Ste, if things with Mr. Briggs aren’t working out, don’t let it drag you down. You’re… you’re amazing, and people see that. I—”


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    Ste turned to him, her tone calm but final. “Jeff, thank you, but this isn’t the time.” Her words were gentle, but they drew a line he didn’t dare cross.


    He fell silent, gripping the wheel tighter, his chest heavy. Still, the thought burned quietly in the back of his mind—maybe this was his chance.


    If William couldn’t treat her right, maybe he could.


    He’d be patient, better, someone she could lean on.


    Sure, he was just a student now, but someday he wouldn’t be.


    Someday he’d be someone she could count on.


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