Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 92

Dr. Palmer slapped his palm down on the table. In the kitchen, Liana poked her head out, drying her hands. “What’s going on with you two?”

Dr. Palmer cleared his throat, quick to cover. “Nothing. Just dropped a book.”

As soon as his wife turned away, he shot a look at his nephew, who was sprawled out on the sofa. “Don’t you dare get any ideas about my favorite student.”

“She gave up her academic career five years ago for some guy. Now she’s finally decided to take another shot at the exam. If you mess this up for her, you’re done.”

Stephen smirked. “So she can’t date just because she’s your student? That’s kind of messed up, don’t you think?”

Dr. Palmer glanced over toward the kitchen where Rebecca was, then tapped his finger against his temple, half exasperated, half fond. “If I’m being honest, she’s got tunnel vision when it comes to love. That’s why she can’t be dating while she’s supposed to be focused.”

He glared at Stephen again. “Are you actually—”

“No,” Stephen interrupted, sitting up straighter. “I’m just messing with you.”

“You little brat,” Dr. Palmer grumbled, but the edge had faded. He thought for a second about Stephen’s car accident five years ago. The kid probably still had scars from that. Romance and marriage were the last things on his mind for now.

Unlike the rest of the Duncan family, Dr. Palmer never nagged Stephen about settling down. He figured there was nothing wrong with marrying late, or not at all.

Lunch was ready soon after. Rebecca brought out one of the dishes she’d made. Stephen took a bite, his eyes lighting up. “Wow, this is right up there with Aunt Liana’s cooking.”

Dr. Palmer nodded. “It really is good.”

He turned to Rebecca. “How’s your revising going?”

Rebecca answered honestly. “I’ve caught up on mostly everything, but I’m still behind in math. Luckily, Caleb’s been helping me out.”

Dr. Palmer nodded. “That’s good. If Caleb gets too busy, you can ask Stephen. He’s got a solid math background.”

“New product?” Stephen’s curiosity was obvious.

“Yeah. I just reworked the product roadmap for next year. I was going to go over it with you soon. The core product will use the interest rate curve model. I have a good feeling about it. I think it’ll get a lot of attention.”

Stephen grinned at her, teasing. “So, Ms. Harper, how much are we talking in royalties?”

Rebecca’s cheeks flushed. “No royalties. Sunforge Tech can use it for free.”

Stephen raised his eyebrows. “No way. Business is business. You’ll get paid what you deserve.”

Rebecca just smiled. “Let’s talk about it next year.”

After lunch, she stayed and chatted with Dr. Palmer for a while before heading back to the library. When they got downstairs, Stephen offered her a ride, but she waved him off.