"I can''t believe he still has the nerve to strut around like that!"


    Ste''s tone was calm. "As long as Haynes is willing to back him up, he''ll always act untouchable."


    Abby chimed in, "Well, I think Haynes''s patience has finally worn thin. When


    Jasper''s little gang got themselves into trouble, Haynes didn''t lift a finger to help-


    in fact, he made a point of distancing himself from them."


    A grin spread across Abby''s face as she spoke.


    "Serves them right! I''ve never been able to stand those insufferable jerks."


    She''d been at Keen''s birthday party, after all.


    She hadn''t witnessed those guys trip Ste, but she had seen them shamelessly harass the pretty waitress.


    Utterly disgusting.


    Thankfully, Ste wasn''t about to swallow the insult. She quietly gathered


    evidence and made sure the truth came out.


    Otherwise, that injustice would have been unbearable.


    Ste, however, didn''t waste much thought on Jasper.


    To her, he was nothing more than a clown desperate for attention.


    They were in the lounge, getting ready, when someone knocked at the door-it was time to draw for performance order.


    Ste had expected Rachel to handle the draw, as usual, but to her surprise, it was Haynes who walked in.


    He''d never been one for attending the kids'' events.


    Yet this was the second time in a row he''d shown up.


    Apparently, Rachel''s influence went deeper than Ste had thought.


    At least Keen''s wish must havee true.


    He''d always longed for his dad to watch his games and performances, to cheer him on from the audience.


    Now, with Rachel around, all his wishes seemed to have been granted.


    Ste acted like she hadn''t even noticed Haynes, her gaze cool as she looked away.


    The draw went smoothly-no drama this time.


    Still, Ste''s luck wasn''t great. She pulled a number for one of theter slots.


    Haynes, on the other hand, got an early spot-fifth in line.


    Once everyone''s slot was recorded, Ste left the room to head back.


    "Ste." Haynes strode over suddenly, blocking her path.


    Her elegant features twisted into a faintly mocking expression.


    "Haynes,st time you asked me to drop out of the violin performance. What is it this time? You''re not going to tell me to withdraw from the foreignnguage program too, are you?"


    Haynes''s Adam''s apple bobbed. "No. I just have something to ask you."


    Ste waited patiently, arms folded. "Well, we''re onte, so it''s not like you''re


    going to make mete for anything. If you''re not worried about wasting time, go ahead."


    Haynes''s deep gaze lingered on her.


    His voice came out unexpectedly rough. "Why didn''t you tell me what really happened at Keen''s birthday party?"


    “I didn''t?” Ste returned, eyebrow arched. "I told you, remember? And you said they didn''t mean any harm, that I shouldn''t ruin Keen''s party. Did you forget?"


    Haynes pressed his lips together. "But afterward, you never told me what actually happened."


    Ste let out a shortugh. "Did you think I didn''t want to? The moment I tried, you got a call that Rachel had fainted.


    You dropped everything to rush to her side, and then spent over a month traveling around with her.


    I called you, told you your mother had taken Keen.


    You brushed it off, said your mom is Keen''s grandmother and wouldn''t hurt him, told me not to worry.


    Even after Keen came home, you were still out there sightseeing with Rachel.


    So now you want to question me? Don''t you think that''s a little hypocritical, Haynes?"


    Ste''s retort brought the memories flooding back for Haynes.


    He parted his lips, searching for a defense. "I wasn''t on vacation with Rachel. I was taking her to see doctors. Those stories in the tabloids were just rumors."