?Chapter 1197:


    As a final gamble, Sharon decided to take a risk. There was one ce left—onest chance to awaken Ste’s memories.


    The apartment near the research institute.


    Ste had once lived there, surrounded by the remnants of her old life. Most of it had been cleared out, but a few personal items still lingered—fragments of a past she no longer remembered.


    And across the hall… was William’s apartment.


    Perhaps, if fate was kind, something there would stir her heart.


    As they reached the institute’s entrance, Elbert was walking out—right on cue.


    Spotting them, he greeted them naturally, ying along with the n they’d discussed earlier. “Ms. Russell! What a coincidence. Out for a walk?”


    Ste epted the chilled bottle of mineral water he offered and nodded politely. “Thank you. Just wandering around for a bit.”


    Elbert smiled, his tone casual. “The apartments here are quite nice—quiet, affordable, perfect for singles. Would you like to take a look? I can show you around.”


    Ste hesitated, about to decline.


    Before she could speak, Sharon jumped in lightly. “Sure! I’ve actually been thinking about buying a ce. It might be nice to…”


    …get one near here.”


    Ste blinked in surprise. Since when was Sharon interested in buying property? And weren’t these institute residences? Were they even open for sale?


    Still, curiosity won over confusion, and she followed them upstairs.


    The apartment they entered was simple and quiet, sunlight spilling across the bare wooden floor. The air carried a faint scent of old books and paint—familiar somehow, though she couldn’t ce why.


    Her gaze swept across the space, lingering near the window.


    The room was empty, yet something about the view drew her in. Her fingers curled unconsciously as she stepped closer.


    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???


    For a long moment, she simply stood there, looking out through the ss as the afternoon light brushed her face.


    Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, she said, “This balcony… it has such a beautiful view.”


    A quiet disappointment settled between Sharon and Elbert. They had hoped Ste might recall something meaningful—some spark of recognition—but nothing came.


    Elbert cleared his throat, choosing his words with care. “Thest person who lived here often worked on experiments in that very spot and spent a great deal of time talking with her beloved there.”


    He deliberately avoided mentioning William’s name, keeping his tone neutral.


    Ste only nodded, offering noment.


    As they stepped out of the apartment, she cast onest nce at the empty spot, a pang of inexplicable loneliness tugging at her.


    .


    .


    .