Chapter 234

Chapter 234:
He wasn’t in a rush. Favors like this didn’t expire, and he liked having one tucked away.
At the cafeteria…
Since William was tied up with a partner meeting during lunch, Stella didn’t bother heading back to cook for him.
She took the rare chance to join her colleagues for a simple meal in the cafeteria.
As they queued for food, a small group pushed into the line, led by Allen.
“Well, would you look at that? Sylvia,” he sneered. “When you started tossing around all those fancy terms the other day, I almost believed you knew what you were talking about. Guess I was wrong.”
Sandra bristled with anger and looked ready to snap back, but Stella caught her arm, stopping her.
“Oh, what’s wrong? Feeling bitter because you didn’t make the cut?” Allen taunted, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. “It must sting knowing I made the team and you didn’t. You thought being William’s favorite would give you a shortcut around here? Sorry to say, but looks like reality finally slapped you in the face.”
Allen’s teammates chuckled behind him, their eyes sharp with scorn as they stared at Stella’s group.
“Sylvia, maybe try calling in a favor from William again. Or charm a few more influential people—someone’s bound to lend a hand. Don’t stress about making the team. If you do manage to sneak in, I’ll welcome you with open arms. No judgment. After all, knowing how to hang onto a man is a talent too, isn’t it?”
He burst into laughter and strutted away, his group trailing behind, their loud amusement echoing across the room.
Elbert shot Stella a glance. “Don’t let that idiot get to you. He’s full of it.”
“Exactly,” Sandra chimed in. “Some people can’t see past their own bitterness. Let it go.”
With their support, Stella brushed it off without letting it ruin her mood.
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Once lunch was over, the group began heading out of the cafeteria but paused when they spotted Cecelia crossing the room, carrying a large box.
Sandra blinked and called out, confused, “Cecelia? What’s going on? Where are you taking all that?”
Elbert frowned in confusion too. No one had announced any lab transfers.
Cecelia stiffened. She hadn’t expected to run into them here. Hadn’t they mentioned dining off-site?
Her grip on the box tightened. “Oh… I’m just clearing out some things I don’t need anymore.”
But her anxious expression betrayed her, and the others picked up on the tension.
“Things you don’t need?” Elbert asked, eyeing the nearly full box. “Like your entire petri dish collection?”
It was obvious she wasn’t just sorting out a drawer—she had practically packed her whole station.
His brows drew together. “Cecelia, we’re your team. What’s really going on?”
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