Even though the matter over there was crucial, Finley just couldn''t bring himself to go, especially to the Muliba Desert. The climate was harsh, and the threat of outbreaks loomed over it like a bad omen. Not even the most brilliant minds wanted to venture there, much less someone like him.


    As Finley left, Dn''s mind wondered back into contemtion, and before long, Yvonne and Lottie arrived in the medical room with Ste.


    Seeing Lottie, Dn quickly stood up and greeted respectfully.


    Lottie guided Ste forward. "Please tend to her wounds. Oh, and she might be pregnant. See what medication you can give."


    Dn''s eyes widened.


    Pregnant?


    That sneaky Finley, setting him up like this! If he had only checked Ste''s stomach and prescribed a bunch of meds, he''d be the one shipped off to that deste desert with him.


    He''d have a word with himter, that was for sure.


    Noticing Dn''s hesitation, Lottie asked, "Is something wrong?"


    "I''ll treat her wounds first," Dn responded, quickly gathering medication safe for expectant mothers. She bandaged Ste''s injuries, all the while simmering with frustration towards Finley.


    Meanwhile, in the study, Ronald lit a cigarette with a grim expression, tossing the pack to Xander.


    Xander caught it, agitatedly pulling out a cigarette and lighting it, his breath still uneven. "Is she really pregnant? Is the child yours?"


    Xander''s voice was low and dangerous, seemingly ready to explode and tear Ronald apart if thetter uttered a single "yes".


    Ronald nced at him icily, offering no answer. That one look was enough to infuriate Xander. "Ronald, that''s my freaking fiancée, promised by our elders, spoken with clear intent. Who do you think you are?"


    Xander couldn''t contain himself any longer, his anger ring up as he mmed a fist onto the desk. The force made the items on it tremble.


    Their eyes locked, and the tension in the room was so thick it was almost tangible.


    Ronald smirked coldly. "Promised by elders? Do you forget the state they were in when they said that?"


    "What state?" Xander ground out, teeth clenched. Even knowing he couldn''t best Ronald, he felt his fists itch to connect with his face.


    Ronald inteced his fingers on the desk, leaning forward slightly. "They were drunk off their minds. And as someone sober, you took it seriously?"


    Xander was left speechless; his breath hitched at the revtion as he recalled the scene. Ronald had a point; it was said when his father and Mr. Quinn were inebriated.


    "So what? Being drunk doesn''t strip them of being elders," Xander snapped, defensive.


    Ronald let out a softugh. "Is your father still considered your elder?"


    Xander''s face fell, his emotions crumbling. That old coot... did he deserve to be called an elder?


    Ronald sneered, "If I remember correctly, you severed ties with Mr. Schultz two years ago, right? You''ve been telling everyone you''re not part of the Schultz family."


    Xander retorted, "I''m not part of the Schultz family, but I''m still Xander. Ste is my fiancée."


    "What are you hoping to achieve by saying that?"


    Xander was taken aback.


    "Nothing," Ronald remarked, eyes narrowing slightly.


    Stung by thement, Xander grew agitated, his grip on reason slipping. "I don''t care. She''s mine, and you have to give her back."


    Though Xander''s voice was filled with rage, if you listened closely, there was a hint of hurt beneath it all when he uttered "give her back".


    After that fateful day with their elders, he''d always thought of Ste as his. And now, facing someone unreasonable trying to take her away-it was infuriating.