?Chapter 389:


    Ste paused, thinking it over, then gave a small nod.


    On her way to theb, she could practically feel everyone’s gaze following her. When the drama with Marc happened, people had supported her openly. But now that it involved William, everyone chose silence. No one wanted to pick a side. They just stood back and watched as she walked into theb. Inside theb, Sandra was there, along with two other team members. As soon as Sandra saw Ste, she walked over carefully. “Sylvia, did you catch anything being said outside?”


    Ste smiled faintly. “You mean Miss Lawson’s little speech?”


    Sandra gave her forehead a light smack. “So, you did hear. Well, just so you know, we’re behind you. I didn’t take Miss Lawson’s gift either.”


    Ste was touched but confused. “Why not? Weren’t the gifts expensive? Are you crazy?”


    Sandra waved it off. “Gifts like that? She’s clearly trying to buy people. I’m not that easy to win over. Sylvia, don’t worry about what people are saying out there. We’re with you. Honestly, you’ve known William way longer than Willow has. If anyone’s the outsider here, it’s her, not you.”


    That made Steugh a little. “Thanks for supporting me, but really—there’s nothing going on between me and William.”


    Sandra blinked in surprise, but before she could reply, a knock sounded at theb door.


    Paul stood by the doorway, looking into the room until his eyes found Ste. “Sylvia, mind stepping out with me for a minute?” he asked.


    Sandra shot Ste a worried nce, but Ste responded with a quiet, reassuring nod before calmly following Paul out.


    Inside the office, Paul gestured for her to take a seat, then walked over and poured a ss of water for her himself.


    Ste took the ss, mildly surprised by his politeness. “Mr. Hoffman, there’s no need for formality—please, just tell me what this is about.” She couldn’t help but wonder why he was going through all the effort.


    Picking up on her cue, Paul took his seat and went straight to business. “Sylvia, you’ve been with the institute long enough to know—research alwayses first. Everything else is secondary.”


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    Ste nodded silently. That much she already knew.


    He went on, “Miss Lawson visited today, and she didn’t exactly hide her motives. I’m sure you’ve heard something about it.”


    Ste instantly pieced it together. So that was what this meeting was about.


    After a short pause, Paul added, “We supported you when your ex-husband caused trouble—he was clearly in the wrong, and you were one of our own. But this time… things are different. William and Miss Lawson aren’t people you want to antagonize.”


    Ste gently set the ss down. “Mr. Hoffman, I believe there’s a misunderstanding here. Mr. Briggs and I have only ever maintained a professional rtionship. There’s absolutely nothing improper going on.” Honestly, she wasn’t even sure they counted as friends. They always seemed to argue the moment they were in the same room.


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