She was known for her knack of stirring up trouble, but this time, she hadn''t uttered a word.


    Yet, without any rhyme or reason, the me was thrown her way, and she wasn''t about to stand for it.


    The room''s atmosphere thickened almost instantly.


    Rachel, who usually yed the peacemaker for Haynes, suddenly switched sides, making the situation awkwardly tense.


    It was Marvin''s innocent voice that finally broke the silence.


    "Mr. O''Brien, you''ve wronged Ste. Don''t you think you owe her an apology?"


    Ste nced down at Marvin, who mischievously winked at her.


    This clever boy.


    Some things sound different depending on who says them.


    If Mr. Burton had said it, it might''ve seemed biased.


    But Marvin was just a kid. Even if he was siding with her, he wouldn''t have said anything unless he''d heard it himself.


    It was like a p across Haynes''s face.


    Haynes''s deep-set eyes dimmed, and his Adam''s apple bobbed nervously.


    After a few seconds, his low, raspy voice broke the silence.


    "Sorry, I misunderstood you."


    Ste gave him a sidelong nce. "Since Ms. Pearce is in such a delicate condition, you''d better whisk her away before she misses her treatment."


    Rachel, not keen on staying any longer, extended her pale hand with a pout. "Haynie, my fingers have so many cuts from those herbs. If this keeps up, I might never y the violin again."


    Sure enough, her hands were dotted with red scratches, not too deep but noticeable enough for someone who took such meticulous care of them.


    Mr. Burton''s voice cut through the air coolly.


    "Don''t worry, you''ll be fine. Ste helped out here for ages and she''s still ying her violin without issue.


    I asked you to sort some herbs, not chop your hands off."


    Haynes''s eyes flickered towards Mr. Burton.


    "You knew Ste could y the violin?"


    Mr. Burton frowned, "What, you''ve been married to Ste for five years and you don''t know what she used to do?"


    Haynes''s lips moved slightly, but he remained silent.


    Mr. Burton snorted, "You can take Rachel with you, but you know my terms. She''s supposed to help out here for a week. If she leaves early today, she''ll have to make up for itter."


    Rachel''s face froze. "Another day?"


    Mr. Burton shot her a sideways look. "What did you think this was, some trendy café where you can just drop by for a photo op?


    If you don''t want to be here, don''te. I don''t like forcing people, and I certainly don''t like half-hearted efforts."


    He chuckled, casting Haynes a pointed look.


    "Ste stayed here for months just to get medicine for her mother-inw. Some people can''t evenst half a day. What can you expect?"


    Rachel''s expression faltered. "Mr. Burton, you misunderstand. It''s not that I don''t want to be here. I''m just worried I''ll be clumsy and cause trouble..."


    Mr. Burton wasn''t buying it. "Marvin''s only five and he hasn''tined once. What, are you saying you can''t even keep up with a five-year-old?"


    "If your condition has deteriorated to the point where you can''t manage on your own, then I''m afraid there''s nothing I can do. You''d better head home, because I can''t cure you."