Chapter 380:


    She opened it and blinked. It was a detailed report—hard evidence of Nixon’s collusion with foreign investors, tangled money trails, and enough financial fraud to bring down an entire firm.


    The schemes wereyered and deliberate, pointing to domesticundering on a massive scale.


    Ste stared at the screen in disbelief.


    Moments ago, she’d been calling William a liar. Now here he was, handing her everything she’d been trying to dig up.


    She quickly texted him: “Mr. Briggs, your efficiency is something else. And the evidence? Shockingly thorough.”


    His reply came in almost immediately: “You’ve been with me for so long, yet you’ve learned nothing. Don’t go around saying you worked under me once you leave—it’s embarrassing.”


    Ste paused, her eyes caught on one part of his message. “With me for so long.” That part sat differently. Vague, almost suggestive. She couldn’t quite picture the expression and tone he had when he typed it.


    Just then, Sandra gave her a cheeky nudge. “Sylvia, don’t think we’ve forgotten—we still haven’t celebrated putting Finnegan’s team in the dirt!”


    Ste chuckled and put her phone aside. “Right. Shall we go tonight?”


    Sandra lit up like a firecracker. “Yes! Let’s do a buffet! I’m gonna eat until they beg me to leave!”


    Elbert and Jamir, nearby, burst intoughter at her enthusiasm. They all agreed and headed out after work.


    On the way, Ste thought about everything that had happened. Technically, their big win over Finnegan’s team wouldn’t have happened without William’s help. Whether he’d show up or not, inviting him felt like the polite thing to do. Noticing the name on her screen, Sandra leaned in with a sly grin. “You’re inviting him?”


    “He helped with thepetition. It’s only fair,” Ste replied as she tapped his number.


    The call rang a few times. No answer—again.


    “He didn’t pick up,” she said casually. “He’s probably busy. Let’s just go.” At least she called. If he brought it upter, she had her call log.


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    At the buffet restaurant, they raised their sses and toasted to their victory—one they’d bled for, earned, and that brought honor to their institute.


    “Sylvia, did you hear? Finnegan’s team got banned permanently. His institute’s rep is in the gutter. They’re all ming him.” Sandra grinned like it was the best news she’d heard all week. And honestly? It kind of was. “And Sergio got his judging credentials revoked. Now he’s getting dragged all over the inte. His reputation’s toast.”


    Knowing the cheaters got what they deserved made the drinks taste even better.


    “To us,” someone shouted. “To crushing every single schemer!”


    Ste was sipping her third ss of wine when the door swung open—and in walked William and Willow.


    She blinked, stunned for a second. Before she could say a word, Sandra—already tipsy—waved excitedly. “Hey! William! What a coincidence! Here for dinner too?”


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    Message from Noah: Have a great weekend dear readers. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. ????(? ?? ? – ? )


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