Chapter 159

Chapter 159:
Elbert just shrugged. “It’s what I heard. Can’t promise anything, but trust me—people are paying attention to this project. We won’t be overlooked.”
Stella listened in silence, her thoughts turning. The more she heard, the more curious she became. Just how high was the ceiling on this research? Either way, she was going all in.
After dinner, the group parted ways. Sandra wanted to leave with Stella, but their dorms were in opposite directions. Stella reassured her with a smile, promising to catch up later.
Just as Stella stepped out to call a ride, a sudden downpour hit. She barely made it under the nearest bus stop before the skies opened up. A familiar car rolled to a stop in front of her. The window lowered, and William looked out from the driver’s seat. “Get in.”
Stella hesitated. “Mr. Briggs, it’s okay. I can just call a cab.”
They weren’t living together anymore. No need to ride together either. William’s voice was steady. “It’ll take you an hour to get a cab in this weather.”
She glanced down at her phone. Two hundred and thirty people ahead of her in the queue on the ride-hailing app.
Sighing, she stepped forward and opened the back door. “Thank you, Mr. Briggs. Just drop me at the research institute.”
William glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “You planning to live at the institute forever?”
Stella frowned. What was wrong with that?
“It’s convenient.” She could start work as soon as she woke up and return to her dormitory with just a few steps, saving time. There was nothing wrong with that.
He gave a low chuckle. “You’re easily satisfied, Ms. Russell.”
Stella narrowed her eyes. Was that a compliment or an insult? She leaned forward slightly. “Not all of us have penthouses and apartments scattered across the city, Mr. Briggs.”
William blinked—caught off guard by her bluntness. He remembered the house in Briset he’d loaned her before. She wasn’t wrong.
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They pulled up to the dormitory a few minutes later. As soon as the locks clicked, Stella opened the door. “Thanks again, Mr. Briggs.”
“Goodnight.”
William gave a small nod.
Stella stepped out into the light rain, heading toward the building. But just before she reached the door, she paused. Someone was standing nearby, half in shadow. Watching her.
Stella sighed inwardly, wishing she could just pretend Marc wasn’t there and slip past unnoticed. But he stepped right in front of her, blocking the way.
“Stel, why did you come back in William’s car? And didn’t you say you’re not Stella? Why are you working at the research institute and living here too?” Marc questioned.
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