Ste nced at Ronald, her voice trailing off, "But Susie, she..."


    Ronald cut her off with a wave of his hand. "Alright, what did you bring for Grandpa this time?"


    He deftly shifted the conversation away from Susanna. Ronald knew that Hull would handle the Susanna situation; he was always good at reading Hull''s intentions. If they tried to intervene, Hull would likely be displeased.


    "A teapot," Ste replied with a sigh. "You know that."


    Ronald chuckled, knowing full well the finicky nature of the old man. "Will Grandpa even like what I got him?" Stell fretted, her brow furrowing at the thought.


    Grandma was easy to please; she always seemed thrilled with whatever gift Ste brought. But Grandpa was a different story. He was notoriously picky, and he''d make it clear if he didn''t like something. Ronald himself had been on the receiving end of Grandpa''s blunt honesty before.


    This time, Ste had returned from Portis City with gifts for everyone, each one carefully selected. Everyone was covered, except for the nagging worry that Grandpa might not appreciate his gift.


    Ronald affectionately pinched her cheek, "Don''t worry. Grandpa will love it."


    "Really?" she asked, her voice hopeful.


    Ronald nodded confidently. "Hasn''t he always liked what you''ve given him in the past?"


    Ste paused, recalling past birthdays back in Ferrond. Every year, Grandpa seemed genuinely pleased with her gifts.


    "But do you think he''ll be mad at me for being away so long?" Ste wondered aloud, her concern shifting.


    Ronald smirked. "Afraid of getting scolded now? You should''ve thought of that before staying away so long."


    Ste pouted, remaining silent, knowing full well the truth of his words.


    But Ronald didn''t coddle her this time. "If he scolds you, just listen."


    Ste could only hope Grandpa wouldn''t be too harsh on her.


    Lottie, before marrying Ronald''s father, had been an only child, doted on by her parents. They loved whatever she loved, and that affection extended to Ste, even though she wasn''t Lottie''s biological daughter. Thanks to Lottie and Ronald''s warm regard, her grandparents treated Ste like their own granddaughter.


    Yvonne, too, adored Ste. They had spent time together at the Lugar Castle when Ronald was too busy to care for them. During that period, Grandma had been the epitome of kindness, although Grandpa had been strict with them both. He raised them as if they were his own grandchildren, even treating Ste and Yvonne like boys, with all the toughness that entailed. Yvonne could handle it, but Ste, more sensitive, would often end up in tears when Grandpa got stern.


    The buzzing of Ronald''s phone interrupted Ste''s thoughts. He answered, "Hello?"


    "Your sister''s been kidnapped," Xander''s voice came through,ced with anger.


    Ronald''s expression hardened. "What happened?"


    "Dan''s people took her. You better go get her back yourself," Xander spat.


    Ste''s eyes widened at this revtion. Dan''s people had taken Yvonne?


    Ronald''s gaze turned icy. "She left the Quinn family with you. You''re not taking responsibility?"


    "I got attacked too, Ronald! Let me tell you, this isn''t over," Xander fumed. "I thought once Yvonne''s situation was sorted, we''d be square. But look at this mess!"


    Ronald rubbed his temples, feeling a headacheing on. Before he could respond, Xander hung up, leaving Ronald staring at the phone, his expression dark.


    Ste asked anxiously, "So, Dan''s people really took my sister? Is she in danger?"


    Ronald considered the situation. There was certainly potential for trouble. Recalling Idris''s investigation into Dan, Ronald''s eyes narrowed.


    "Did Xander also get beaten up by Dan''s guys?"


    "Probably," Ronald replied. Judging by Xander''s fury, it seemed likely.


    In Ferrond, where Xander held sway, getting attacked was indeed unusual, suggesting turbulent times ahead.


    "That''s rare," Ste mused. "In Ferrond, Xander usually has a free pass. For someone to take him down, it''s kind of a big deal."


    Ronald didn''t reply, instead tousling Ste''s hair fondly. "I''ll take you to Grandma."


    "I want toe with you to find Yvonne," Ste protested, her voice small.


    Ronald''s offer to take her to Grandma made it clear he intended to handle the situation with Yvonne himself. Given Dan''s unpredictable nature, no one could guarantee Yvonne''s safety.


    "No way," Ronald said firmly.


    Dan had been closely linked with Mervin Burtontely, a man of deep cunning. Ronald wouldn''t allow someone like that to linger in Ferrond. Today, something had to be done.


    His gaze softened slightly when he saw Ste''s pleading eyes. "Be good, okay?" "But I''m scared of Grandpa," Ste pleaded, ying on his sympathy.


    Ronald reassured her, "Grandma really wants to see you. No matter how mad Grandpa gets, Grandma will protect you."


    And really, how mad could the old man get, anyway?