?Chapter 1126:


    Nina gave a small, bitterugh. “Never thought I’d live to hear those words from you.”


    Her expression shifted, bing more serious. “Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t do it for you. I just didn’t want to go back to prison. Consider it… paying off a debt. My parents don’t care about me, so I asked William for help. He said the only way was to help you see through Jeff’s true colors.”


    There was still pride beneath her words, that old defiance. She still didn’t like Ste—maybe she never would. In her eyes, Ste would never be good enough for William.


    But she kept those thoughts buried. She couldn’t risk angering him again.


    Ste didn’t rise to it. She simply asked, “How did you find out about Jeff?”


    Nina’s eyes darkened. “Because he’s too na?ve. I could see it in his face, that look in his eyes. You were the only one who didn’t notice.”


    Ste nodded slowly, a quiet realization dawning on her. Sometimes, when a person chose to see someone in a certain light, the truth became invisible.


    She had always believed Jeff was sincere and capable.


    She trusted him without question. Even when he was repeatedly captured by Erebus, she med herself, believing she had dragged him into danger. It never urred to her that it was all a setup—a coordinated act between him and Erebus to lure her in.


    The air between her and Nina grew still. Neither spoke again. After a brief silence, Ste said softly, “Take care of yourself,” before turning to leave.


    Outside, William was waiting.


    His face was calm, but there was hesitation in his eyes.


    “Just say it,” she murmured.


    “Stel…” he started, his tone careful, almost uncertain. “Now that Erebus has been dealt with, maybe you could start thinking about—”


    She frowned faintly, already knowing what he meant.


    “William, I’m tired. I don’t want to think about anything right now. Can you give me some time?”


    Disappointment flickered in his eyes for a moment, but he quickly masked it with a small smile. “Alright. I’ll wait. You’re still staying at the vi, right?”


    Ste felt her chest tighten.


    G  al  no vel s . holds tales worth reading


    He was afraid she would leave now that everything was over.


    Ste let out a quiet sigh. “I told you I’m tired. I’m not nning to move out yet.”


    Only then did the tension in his face ease slightly.


    When Ste returned to the viter that night, her phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, an international line.


    “Ms. Russell?” A man’s polite voice came through. “This is Nics Oliver, chairman of the International Tech Consortium. We’ve reviewed your published papers and patent research. I must say, we’re very impressed.”


    Ste’s brows drew together. She had heard of the consortium before—renowned, respected, the kind of ce researchers dreamed of joining.


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