Neville gave a carelessugh. "He''s trying to force Star to cave, but she''s Keen''s mother-she''s never done anything to betray him. If he dares to use cutthroat business tactics against Star, not just me—even Mr. Burton himself-would never just stand by and watch."


    He''d already seen the news about Antoney.


    But honestly, he couldn''t be bothered to get involved.


    If it were Ste in trouble, he wouldn''t hesitate to do whatever it took to help her. As for the people around her... well, let''s just say he wasn''t quite that charitable.


    He''d only stepped in this time because he heard Antoney and Abby''s mess had drawn Ste into it. That was the only reason he decided to take action.


    And as it turned out, once he started digging, he uncovered some unexpected surprises.


    Neville thought to himself that this drama was getting more and more entertaining by the minute.


    "If he''d just exined himself at the start, maybe Star would''ve believed him. But he wanted to have it both ways-too clever for his own good. Eventually, he''ll pay the price for his arrogance."


    In the hospital, Haynes woke up not long after.


    Through his blurry vision, he saw a slender figure slumped over beside his bed.


    He murmured, "Ste..."


    At the sound of his voice, the figure immediately sat up straight, delight lighting up her face. "Haynie! You''re awake!"


    Haynes blinked in surprise, his voice uncertain. "Rachel? Why are you here?"


    "You were hurt, of course I''d stay with you at the hospital."


    Rachel saw him ncing around, as if searching for someone else. In that moment, she understood.


    Her hands clenched unconsciously, though her voice remained as gentle as ever. "Haynie, after your surgery, Ste didn''t even step into the room. She left right away." Content"


    Haynes''s eyes darkened.


    "Did she... say anything?"


    Let


    Rachel watched his expression closely. "She just said you wouldn''t do anything to her, then walked out. Hayne, this time she nearly killed you. We can''t just let her off easy!"


    But Haynes didn''t immediately agree. His mind drifted far away, caught up in memories.


    For some reason, he suddenly thought of the first time he had a fever.


    It was Ste who''d taken care of him back then.


    He''d been working overtime for days-exhausted, skipping meals, and finally, a


    cold hit him hard, sending his temperature soaring.


    Ste stayed by his bedside all night and day, not sleeping, not resting, tending to him.


    When he finally woke up, his first thought was to get back to work.


    Ste, usually so patient and calm, lost her temper with him for the very first time.


    She even snapped at Lacey, "Lacey, I''m pretty sure apany won''t copse just because its CEO takes a few days off. If it would, then it''s headed for bankruptcy anyway f you really cared about Haynes, you wouldn''t be bringing him files right now."


    Haynes hated when anyone meddled in his work, but surprisingly, that time, he didn''t get angry. Instead, he listened to her and actually took a few days to rest.


    Later, when Ste heard from the doctor about his chronic stomach issues from years of bad eating habits, she started making special meals for him every day.


    No matter howte he came home, she always left a light on for him...


    He didn''t know why, but all those little details he''d ignored before suddenly seemed so clear in his mind.


    He''d never once regretted anything he''d done or any decision he''d made.