Rachel hesitated as she looked at the pill in Ste''s hand. Was it really wise to take medicine when she wasn''t even sick? What if it harmed her instead?


    Noticing Rachel''s reluctance to ept the pill, Jasper''s mind, not often known for its sharpness, sparked with an idea.


    "Ste," he began, "you im this is a life-saving pill. But what if it''s something harmful? Wouldn''t that just make Rachel worse?"


    He turned to Ste with a challenging gaze. "Why don''t you take one first? If it''s safe, then Rachel can have it."


    Ste scoffed and withdrew the pill. "Are we really in the age of poison testing? This is awful society; poisoning someone is illegal. Do you really think I''d poison her right in front of you?"


    "If she has any adverse reaction, a hospital visit would reveal everything. Do you think I could just flee?"


    "If you don''t trust me, you can have the pill tested at the hospital."


    "Do you take me for Rachel''s servant, to test the pill for her? Who do you think you''re insulting? Take the pill or leave it!"


    "If Ms. Pearce''s condition worsens because of your own suspicions, don''t me us for the consequences!"


    Jasper had only meant to make a casual remark; he hadn''t expected Ste to react so angrily. The thought that his words could jeopardize Rachel''s recovery weighed on him. He certainly didn''t want that responsibility.


    He instinctively looked to Haynes O''Brien. "Haynie, say something, will you?"


    Haynes felt a slight irritation rise within him. Jasper was not only a troublemaker but alsocked any sense of tact. He''d lost count of how many times he''d had to clean up Jasper''s messes. Normally, he would have let Jasper learn his lesson, but this involved Rachel, and he feltpelled to step in.


    "Jasper was just joking," Haynes said, trying to diffuse the situation.


    "Is that supposed to be funny?" Ste snapped back. "This is serious medicine, and it''s not meant for someone who isn''t sick. Surely, Mr. O''Brien, you know that all medicine has potential side effects."


    "If you don''t trust us, feel free to find another expert. Jasper''s release form is signed, and you haven''t paid a dime yet, so there''s no loss on your end."


    She paused, realization dawning on her. "Oh, I see. This was your n all along, wasn''t it? Pretending to care for Ms. Pearce''s health just to get my signature?"


    Ste looked at Rachel with a mix of pity and disdain. "I thought Ms. Pearce meant more to Mr. O''Brien and Mr. Wilkinson. But it seems their friendship doesn''t measure up to the bond between Mr. O''Brien and Mr. Wilkinson."


    Even though Rachel knew Ste was trying to sow discord, the words still stirred an ufortable feeling within her. She was aware that Haynes indulged Jasper because Jasper had once saved his life. But recently, Haynes had been distant, causing her to doubt.


    Was Haynes always so amodating because of his own feelings, or was it because it was Jasper asking on her behalf, making it hard for him to refuse?


    Haynes caught the undercurrent of Ste''s provocation and frowned. "Ste, stop stirring up trouble."


    Ste shrugged and let the matter drop. It was just idle talk, but judging by Rachel''s expression, it seemed to have hit a nerve.