Topic Shift: "By the way, the Quarry family called me."


    At the mention of the Quarrys, Ronald''s face immediately darkened. "And what did they want?"


    Lottie shrugged. "What else? Beg you to go easy on them. Thane called me himself."


    Thane. For years, that guy had always given off this untouchable, arrogant vibe. For him to pick up the phone now? He must really be desperate.


    Ronald scoffed. "If his kids can''t manage to behave like decent human beings, what am I supposed to do about it?"


    Just a few days ago, all that drama in Portis City was clearly orchestrated to use Ste as leverage, hoping to make Ronald back off.


    Threaten him? Yeah, right.


    People seemed to forget: Ronald never bowed to threats. If they wanted to go scorched earth with him, he''d happily turn their world to ash.


    Lottie nodded. "Yeah, make sure Star keeps off her phely. Last thing we need is some desperate idiot going after her."


    Now that both the Quarrys and the Larkins were bankrupt, all they had left was their lives-and they were getting reckless.


    Ronald''s tone softened. "Yeah, I got it."


    They chatted for another minute before hanging up.


    Just as Ronald turned to leave, Ste''s phone buzzed. This time, it was Susanna calling.


    Ronald thought for a moment, then declined the call. He texted Idris instead: "Call Susanna. Help her with whatever she needs."


    In Ronald''s mind, Susanna was always a bit of a drama queen. He wasn''t about


    to let her stress Star out at a time like this.


    Idris replied instantly: "On it."


    A momentter, Susanna''s call log was deleted.


    With that handled, Ronald headed back to the dining room, where Ste was munching on a slice of pizza.


    She nced up as he walked in, grinned, and held out another slice. "Try this! It''s really good."


    Their chef had seriously upped his gametely.


    These days, Ste felt like she was gaining weight by the day-well, pregnancy would do that. Ever since she''d found out she was expecting, she''d been extra careful about eating right. And now, knowing she was carrying triplets? She was practically a model patient.


    Ronald didn''t take the slice. Instead, he gently grabbed her hand, the one she was nibbling on. "I want this one."


    Before Ste could react, he bit off the half-eaten piece she was holding up to her mouth.


    Ste blinked, speechless.


    Seriously, this guy and his weird habits-why did he always insist on eating food she''d already taken a bite of?


    "Mmm, not bad. Tastes just like you," Ronald teased, grinning.


    His voice was warm and yful, and Ste''s cheeks immediately turned bright


    nored. "My mom just tournent not to bully-" Content beloYou


    She stopped herself mid-sentence. Catching Ronald''s amused gaze, she swallowed the rest of her protest. Lord she''d learned her lesson about bossing him around.


    They ate together for a while, enjoying the moment.


    Then Idris called. He must''ve already spoken with Susanna.


    Ste remembered Yvonne''s warning earlier-how Susanna could end up hurt or worse. The thought made her stomach knot.


    Ronald picked up the phone, excused himself. "I''ve got to take this-it''s about work."


    Ste nodded. "Go ahead."


    Outside, Ronald answered the call.


    Idris''s voice was respectful. "Boss."


    "What''s going on?" Ronald asked, voice cold.


    Idris replied, "Susanna isn''t hurt. Mr. Miguel took her."


    Ronald''s brow lifted. "Hull?"