Ste didn''t disappoint Mr. Burton in the slightest. She carried herself with poise and grace, her manners impable-never overstepping, never shrinking back.


    The guests couldn''t stop praising her, showering Mr. Burton withpliments for his discerning eye.


    Mr. Burton, ever the mischievous old soul, soaked up every word, his smile growing wider with each ttery.


    It quickly became clear to everyone that he adored hearing such praise,


    especially when it came to his knack for finding talent and Ste''s remarkable qualities.


    In no time at all, Ste was beinguded to the heavens.


    For her, this was an entirely new experience.


    Neither the Williams family nor the O''Brien family had ever included her in gatherings like this.


    The O''Briens considered her an embarrassment, someone who couldn''t be seen in polite society, and they rarely allowed her to attend any formal events.


    The Williams family, on the other hand, always used her youth and supposedck of refinement as an excuse to keep her away from social asions.


    Her identity hadn''t been made public, after all—taking her out in public would only invite awkward questions.


    Someone, perhaps with an ulterior motive, turned to Mr. Burton and remarked, "Mr. Burton, your protégé is truly exceptional-beauty and talent both. She''s every bit the equal of Aurora, the city''s most celebrated debutante."


    Mr. Burton let out a boomingugh.


    Subtlety and humility were foreign concepts to him. "Of course! My student is the very best."


    Peopleughed along with him, though some exchanged nces and sized Ste up with barely concealed curiosity.


    Aurora was the Williams family''s pride a young woman groomed to perfection.


    Even if Ste had lucked into Mr. Burton''s mentorship, topare her with Aurora? That was wishful thinking, and everyone knew it.


    But no one dared spoil Mr. Burton''s good mood. They simply smiled and let the conversation flow.


    After introducing Ste to a few influential guests, Mr. Burton''s gaze settled on a group standing a short distance away-the O''Briens and the Wilkinsons.


    A sly smile crept across his face. "Ste, let''s go say hello."


    She shot him a knowing look and nodded.


    "Alright."


    By now, she''d guessed exactly what he was up to. Mr. Burton had been biding his time all evening, waiting for the perfect moment to put Jasper and Rachel in their ce.


    Jasper and Rachel must be panicking right about now.


    As Mr. Burton approached, Galen-the O''Briens'' patriarch-his wife Ynde Wilkinson, and Deanna all looked up, a flicker of excitement in their eyes.


    Deanna, unaware of the history


    between Mr. Burton and Jasperet


    family, simply muttered under ker breath, "Some people just get lucky," then said nothing more.


    Galen, Ynde, and Deanna greeted him warmly.


    "Mr. Burton..."


    They barely managed to begin before Mr. Burton cut them off.


    He turned to Galen and Ynde. "You''re Jasper''s parents?"


    They hesitated, then nodded.


    "Mr. Burton, you know our Jasper?"


    He smiled, his meaning unmistakable. “Oh, I know him quite well. In fact, we go way back."


    Galen and Ynde exchanged hopeful nces, excitement flickering in their eyes.


    But before they could savor it, Mr. Burton continued, his tone turning sharp.


    "If it weren''t for your son, who repeatedly trashed my clinic, I doubt I''d have retired so early to enjoy a quiet life."


    He paused, letting the words sink in. "So tell me, should I be thanking your son for that?"


    Galen and Ynde froze, their faces draining of color.


    Galen stammered, "Mr. Burton, there must be some misunderstanding..."


    Mr. Burton nced at Jasper, whose face was ashen, and let out a coldugh.


    "Your son barged into my clinic and nearly roughed me up. If Ste hadn''t been there, I doubt these old bones would''ve survived. And if that had happened, you wouldn''t be at my birthday party today-you''d be at my funeral."