?Chapter 1189:


    Ste shook her head lightly, her voice warm. “It’s alright. Really. You don’t have to apologize.”


    Elbert stepped forward, offering a polite handshake. “Ms. Russell, it’s an honor to meet you. Please forgive how abrupt our first encounter was.”


    Ste smiled, her usual warmth returning. “You’re being too formal. I’m just an ordinary person, really.”


    Sandra and Elbert exchanged a quick nce, something unspoken passing between them. Then Sandra changed the subject with a bright smile. “Still, I’m really d we ran into you. I’ve always admired your work. Talking to you like this feels a little surreal.”


    The three of them began walking together, the cool night air brushing past. Their conversation flowed easily—light and casual, filled with harmless pleasantries.


    Ste felt an unexpected sense of ease while talking with Sandra and Elbert. It was as though they’d known one another for years, with not a trace of awkwardness between them.


    After they’d strolled together for a while, Sandra spoke up in a lighthearted tone. “So, how are things going with the wedding to Mr. Walsh?”


    “It’s going wonderfully,” Ste said, her face brightening at the question. “We’ve already settled on the venue by the sea. My wedding dress has been picked out, too.”


    Her voice carried soft excitement as she went on about the details. Sandra and Elbert listened with quiet interest, asionally offering their thoughts and advice.


    “Would you two like to attend my wedding?” Ste asked. “I really feel close to both of you.”


    That kind of invitation didn’te easily from her, yet something about them made her want their presence on that day. It was a feeling she couldn’t put into words.


    Sandra blinked in surprise before smiling warmly. “If we’re invited, we’ll dlye.”


    Joy washed over Ste at that.


    They walked a little farther when Elbert suddenly spoke. “Ste, you patented your work back in college. Have you ever thought about joining a research institute? With your talent, our team would be thrilled to have you.”


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    Even though parts of Ste’s past had faded from memory, Elbert couldn’t stand the thought of her abandoning her passion for the sake of a man.


    Ste paused at his suggestion, torn between her love for work and the reality in front of her.


    However…


    After a brief pause, she shook her head. “Not at the moment. I’m caught up with wedding ns, and my fiancé’spany needs my help.”


    She didn’t have the energy to take on the demands ofb work right now.


    “But that shouldn’t stop you!” Elbert insisted, unwilling to let the matter go.


    Sandra’s eyes softened, silently urging Ste to reconsider.


    Even so, Ste shook her head again. “I appreciate your concern. Maybe after the wedding, if time allows, I’ll think about it.”


    Seeing how determined she was, Sandra and Elbert didn’t press further.


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