The swarm of reporters exchanged nces, their faces lighting up with


    sycophantic grins.


    "Since it''s Mr. O''Brien''s request, we better oblige."


    They quickly dispersed, not daring to linger or snap any sneaky photos. Who was Haynes O''Brien? Anyone who dared to cross him wouldn''tst long on this turf.


    Once the reporters had cleared out, the air turned eerily still and cold.


    Haynes red at Ste, nestled in another man''s arms, his eyes dark and his presence chilling.


    He parted his thin lips, uttering two cold words. "Get down."


    Ste felt uneasy being held by someone she barely knew. With all the rumors surrounding her, she was determined not to drag Neville into her chaotic situation.


    She spoke softly, "Please, put me down."


    Neville seemed oblivious to Haynes'' menacing re. "No can do. Your ankle''s sprained. We need to get you to a doctor."


    Haynes'' gaze locked on Ste, his eyes like frozen ss, exuding a frosty aura. He spoke coldly, "Ste, I''m telling you to get down."


    Usually, Haynes kept his emotions under wraps, and Ste had rarely seen such intensity in him. At the moment, his expression was stormy, his gaze icy, as if he were staring at something profoundly detestable.


    Seeing her unmoved, Haynes'' eyes grew even more terrifying. He took slow, deliberate steps toward them and reached out, ready to pull Ste down.


    Neville attempted to block him with his arm, but with Ste in his hold, his movements got hindered, failing to stop Haynes.


    In a swift motion, Haynes yanked Ste from Neville''s grasp. With a firm grip on her wrist, he began to walk away.


    As shended, a searing pain shot through Ste''s sprained ankle, making her wince. Just then, Neville grabbed her other hand.


    Haynes stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing at Neville as he spoke with icy contempt. "Let her go."


    Neville''s lips curled into a casual smile. "I believe I''m the one who should be saying that."


    Haynes'' brows arched arrogantly, "You think you have the right?"


    Neville chuckled. "Whether I do or not, it''s not up to you. What matters is how Star feels about it."


    Neville turned his gaze to Ste, his voice gentle. "Star, do you want to go with him?"


    Ste knew Neville was calling her that on purpose to irk Haynes.


    Her eyes darted to Rachel, who stood not far away. Haynes and Rachel had just left the same restaurant, likely after sharing a meal and informing Rachel about Ste''s so-called predicament to win a smile from his first crush.


    Ste''s expression turned neutral, choosing not to look at Haynes but instead at Neville. "My ankle''s hurt. Could you please take me to the hospital, Mr. Connolly?"


    Neville''s smile widened. "Between us, there''s no such thing as trouble."


    Haynes'' eyes shed with disbelief as he coldly remarked, "Ste, don''t tell me you''re tangled up with this guy again."


    Ste frowned in difort. "Mr. O''Brien, isn''t it amusing? There''s no scandal with Mr. Connolly, no tangled affairs. We shared a meal, and he was kind enough to help me. Yet, in your eyes, that means I''m involved with another man?"


    Ste nced at Rachel indifferently. "Is it that every time I speak to a man, it implies some improper rtionship? Are you projecting your ways onto others, Mr. O''Brien?"