"Ste, how long are you going to keep this up?!"


    Before Ste could respond, Rachel suddenly stood up.


    "Ms. Cameron, I understand that you''ve had certain misunderstandings about me. If that''s the reason you''ve been holding a grudge..." Rachel''s voice trailed off as she bit her lip, then added, "I''m ready to apologize!"


    With that, she bowed deeply to Ste. "I''m sorry, Ms. Cameron, and I hope you


    can forgive me."


    Rachel''s unexpected gesture in the elegant restaurant drew the attention of several patrons.


    Ste looked at Rachel, remaining silent for what felt like an eternity.


    Rachel maintained her bow, as if she wouldn''t rise until she was forgiven.


    As time dragged on, Haynes'' expression grew increasingly stern. Just as he was about to speak, Ste finally broke the silence, "Do you even know what you''re apologizing for?"


    Rachel''s eyes widened. She nced at Haynes, whispering, "I... I shouldn''t havee back knowing I was terminally ill..."


    She gritted her teeth. "Ms. Cameron, if you''re willing to give the medicine to Haynie''s mother, I... I promise never to appear before you and Haynie again. I won''t... be a burden to you anymore. From now on, whether I live or die, it''s none of your or Haynie''s concern..."


    Before Rachel could finish, Haynes interrupted her sternly. "Rachel, what nonsense are you speaking?!"


    Tears welled in Rachel''s eyes. "I don''t have much time left anyway. I''m willing to trade what''s left of my life for your mother''s health."


    Haynes'' face was expressionless. "Don''t say such ominous things."


    Rachel managed a brave smile, though tears streamed down her face, revealing her deep vulnerability. "If Ms. Cameron is willing, then it''s all worth it," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.


    The onlookers, drawn by the spectacle, began to murmur among themselves.


    "Oh my God, how can that woman be so cruel to someone who''s terminally ill?"


    "Seems like she''s begging for medicine... using life-saving medicine as leverage, that''s wicked."


    Someone, unable to take it any longer, spoke up loudly, "Hey,dy, she''s apologized to you. What more do you want? She''s so pitiful."


    Others joined in.


    "Yeah, yeah, you''re not going to drive her to death, are you?"


    "Show some mercy. Why be so harsh?"


    Rachel cleaned her tears and addressed the crowd, "Thank you, everyone... I-I don''t mind what happens to me, as long as Ms. Cameron is willing to give the medicine, I''d do anything!"


    "Wow, she''s begging for someone else, not even herself?"


    "She''s in such a state and still thinking of others. This girl is really kind."


    All eyes turned to Ste, filled with judgment.


    "Geez, using life-saving medicine as a threat, do you have no fear of karma?"


    "Hey,dy, enough is enough."


    "Yeah, if she dies, you''ll have blood on your hands."


    The storm of judgmental whispers and usations surrounded Ste. It seemed


    as if she was painted as the viin without saying a single word.


    Just then, an untimely chuckle pierced through the tension.


    "Isn''t it funny? My friend hasn''t said or done anything, yet suddenly she''s the viin?"