"People faking illnesses are a rare breed these days, after all."


    Rachel''s face nched. She opened her mouth to defend herself, but before she could get a word out, Mr. Burton, with Ste''s support, was already making his exit, a genial smile on his face.


    Jasper watched Rachel, bewildered, not quite following what had just happened.


    Deanna, on the other hand, looked utterly unbothered, as if she''d expected all of this.


    Only Haynes remained silent, his eyes darker than the midnight sky.


    ...


    Mr. Burton simply took Ste for a brief walk around the room before excusing himself to rest in the lounge.


    He was getting on in years and had never cared much for socializing. The fact that he''de all this way to help Ste was already a rare favor.


    Inside the lounge, Ste brewed a fresh pot of tea, quietly pouring a cup for Mr. Burton to show her gratitude.


    He epted the cup with a dismissive wave. "No need to thank me. I just can''t stand those who bully the weak and pander to the strong."


    He took a sip of the hot tea and looked at Ste.


    "Ste, I''m an old man. There''s a lot I can''t get involved with anymore. This is as much as I can do for you."


    Ste felt her eyes sting with emotion. "I understand, Mr. Burton. Thank you, truly."


    If Mr. Burton had chosen to keep a low profile, he could have dealt with Jasper and Haynes however he pleased. But now that everyone knew who he was, he was bound by his reputation, and there were things he simply couldn''t do.


    Ste understood that for all his entricities, Mr. Burton was genuinely a kind old man. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have provided Deanna with two years'' worth of medication, or gone through the trouble of sourcing rare ingredients and painstakingly developing a special remedy for Keen.


    Mr. Burton sighed. "Every generation has to find its own way. Normally, I try not to meddle in the affairs of the younger crowd. But you, Ste-you have no family to back you up, and everywhere you turn, someone''s trying to hold you down. These days, hard work and talent alone aren''t enough to get you anywhere."


    That was why Mr. Burton, against his usual habits, had chosen to step in so publicly for Ste.


    He said, "Times have changed.


    Without a family behind you, making something of yourself has be almost impossible. Ste, you''re talented and hardworking. The only thing you''re missing is a bit of luck—and a helping hand. hope you''ll seize this opportunity."


    He was worried Ste might turn down his help, knowing she could be stubborn about her independence.


    But Ste just nodded. "I understand, Mr. Burton. Thank you for caring so much." Seeing that she didn''t stubbornly refuse his kindness, Mr. Burton smiled, pleased.


    "Don''t be fooled by the size of the Burton family," he went on. "If I hadn''t worked so hard to build it up back in the day, those


    good-for-nothing sons of minel no


    wouldn''t have gotten anywhere. When I was young, opportunities were everywhere. It was nothing like the cutthroatpetition you all face now. Sess came much easier."


    He sighed heavily. "I really do feel for you young people.”


    They chatted for a while longer, until a knock sounded at the door.


    Karl stepped in, clearly wanting a private word with Mr. Burton. He nced at Ste, looking uncertain.


    Ste immediately picked up on the hint. She offered a polite excuse and left the


    room.


    No sooner had she walked out than she ran into Lauretta.


    “Star!” Lauretta greeted her with a bright smile. "I had no idea you knew Mr. Burton."


    Wendy and Katrina, who were nearby, both turned to look at Ste with open curiosity.


    Katrina grinned. "Star, you''ve got connections everywhere! Seriously, you''re unbeatable. Not like some people, who only know how to y politics."