Ever since Jasper had crossed paths with Ste, he''d found himself on the losing end, time and again.


    If he weren''t the son of the Wilkinson Group''s CEO and if not for Haynes''s help -he''d have been finished long ago.


    It wasn''t until Haynes pointed it out that Jasper finally snapped out of it.


    Compared to his so-called "buddies," Haynes was obviously far more important.


    But Jasper still couldn''t get over the fact that,st night, Ste had threatened to expose his friends right in front of them. And then, this morning, she''d actually gone through with it.


    Still, he didn''t want this mess to drag Haynes down or hurt thepany''s reputation.


    Jasper understood the stakes well enough.


    He apologized, "Haynie, I''m sorry. I didn''t think it through. I just didn''t want their problems to affect you, so I asked you to get the search results taken down."


    Haynes''s voice was cool and steady. "If you really don''t want their mess tied to us, taking the news down isn''t the solution. On the contrary, we need to make a public statement-draw a clear line and make it known we have nothing to do with


    them."


    Jasper replied instantly, "Understood. I''ll have someone take care of it right away."


    ...


    Meanwhile, Ste received a call from Foreman Richards.


    "Star, I''m sorry. I''ve been away on business and didn''t know what Jasper had been up to, so I couldn''t warn you in advance."


    Ste didn''t me Foreman. In fact, she was grateful for all the help he''d given her.


    "Mr. Richards, you''ve already done so much for me. I really appreciate it."


    Foreman was silent for a moment before saying, "Star, could you call me Foreman, like you used to?"


    Ste didn''t care much about titles. "Of course, Foreman. And if you ever need my help, just let me know ahead of time."


    Foreman hesitated, then said, "Actually, there is something."


    Ste asked, "What is it?"


    "I heard you''re nning a concert. Could you save me a good seat?"


    Ste was well aware of how the Wilkinson Group and the O''Brien Group were promoting her they didn''t want people to think they were just greedy corporations, so they were going all out to boost her image.


    She was happy to go along, and she''d even used the opportunity to announce she''d be holding a concert soon.


    Now, her poprity online had already far outstripped Rachel''s.


    Ste was a little surprised by Foreman''s request. "Are you sure you want a ticket to my concert?"


    Foreman''s voice was warm and sincere. "Is that a problem?"


    "Not at all," Ste replied, hesitating. “But... Rachel''s giving a concert too. Aren''t you going to hers?"


    Foreman chuckled gently. "She''s an excellent violinist, no doubt. But I prefer your piano pieces. Everyone has their own tastes-Jasper and Haynie are sure to understand."


    Hearing that, Ste agreed. "Alright. I''ll make sure you get the best seat in the house."


    Once Marvin and Keen''s situation had been resolved, Marvin moved back in with Ste.


    The two of them still needed to rehearse for their foreignnguage performance.


    To Ste''s surprise, Marvin had a real knack fornguages.


    Maybe it was his age-kids do have great memories.


    After she''d read the lines to him three times, Marvin could recite them fluently, word for word.


    They''d chosen to perform in French.


    Marvin''s French was impressive, though he struggled with othernguages.


    Fortunately, the event only required a French recitation, so they could focus on that.


    If it came down to a written exam, though, Marvin would probably have a much tougher time.