?Chapter 1123:


    “We have high expectations for your project. If you’re ready, you may begin your presentation.”


    The client’s words carried polite warmth. Ste smiled faintly, her expression calm and unshaken, the picture of quiet confidence.


    Taking the USB drive, she walked to the front and began her presentation—clear,posed, and utterly professional. Every movement, every word, reflected the poise of someone who knew her craft inside out.


    When she finished, the Wade Group representatives broke into apuse. Whether it was genuine or just polite, she couldn’t tell—and honestly, she didn’t care.


    Riley Wade, the general manager, thanked them and asked Ste and William to wait for feedback in another lounge. A few minutester, as Ste stepped out to get some water, she unexpectedly ran into Jeff.


    “Ste!” Jeff’s face lit up as he hurried toward her. “I’m here for an internship interview. Didn’t think I’d actually run into you!”


    Ste blinked, slightly taken aback. “Shouldn’t you be working on your thesis?”


    Jeff scratched his head with a sheepish grin. “This is a rare chance. I’ve always admired Wade Group, and my advisor helped me get the interview. Besides…”


    He lowered his voice. “I want to be someone capable—like you. Maybe then I can really be of help someday.” He was determined to prove his capability.


    William stood a short distance away, watching the two of them. His expression darkened slightly, though he said nothing and turned back into the lounge.


    “Well, do your best,” Ste said, giving Jeff a light pat on the shoulder. “I have to go.”


    As she walked away, Jeff watched her back, a quiet determination burning in his eyes.


    He would be someone worthy of her someday.


    Not long after, Ste and William returned to the lounge, both confident the coboration was practically theirs. But just then, Ste’s gaze caught on a figure moving past the ss wall outside.


    A man in a baseball cap. Quick, deliberate steps. And between his thumb and forefinger—a small tattoo of a scorpion.


    Her heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t the only one who noticed. William’s eyes sharpened, and his voice turned cold. “Luca, Scorpion’s here. He’s outside the meeting…”


    Room. “Bring the men up quietly—don’t alert him. Cut off every exit.” Luca’s response came sharp and fast. “Understood.”


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    Within moments, his team was on the move. But Scorpion seemed to sense it. He nced into the lounge once, eyes cold and empty, then disappeared before anyone could react. By the time Ste and William rushed out, he was gone—like a shadow that had never existed.


    Then suddenly, the lights flickered. The entire floor went dark. A beatter, the emergency power kicked in, casting a dull orange glow through the hall.


    Riley Wade hurried out, looking embarrassed. “Ms. Russell, Mr. Briggs, I’m so sorry. There seems to be a power problem. We’ll get it fixed right away.”


    Ste nodded, but her guard was up. Something didn’t feel right.


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