Ste''s gaze drifted from Candida over to Joshua.


    Karl, despite all his bravado, was utterly helpless in Joshua''s grippletely overpowered, with not even a chance to fight back.


    It wasn''t so much Joshua''s strength that stood out, but his razor-sharp mind. He anticipated everything, calcting every move with precision.


    Candida, meanwhile, showed no mercy.


    A sickening crack split the air as she shattered the bones in Karl''s hand. Her eyes remained cold and unflinching, though her face had gone ghostly pale.


    It was the first time she''d ever done something like this, and her hands trembled slightly. But she knew she had no choice-not just to avenge Star, but to keep her safe. If Karl wanted revenge, he could take it out on her; she wouldn''t let him touch Star.


    Ste''s attention shifted from Joshua back to Candida. "That''s enough, Candida. Let''s leave it at that."


    As much as Ste felt Karl deserved worse, this was still a society governed byw, and there were lines she couldn''t cross.


    She turned to Joshua. "Call an ambnce for him."


    Joshua nodded, dialing emergency services without hesitation. He understood, too-Karl couldn''t die, especially not here. There was a world of difference


    between an injury and a corpse.


    Once the call was made, Ste said gently, "Candida, you should skip your piano practice today. Just go home and get some rest."


    After everything that had happened, Candida looked utterly drained, as if the


    slightest breeze could topple her. She didn''t argue. "Okay."


    Ste grabbed her music sheets from the studio, then turned to Joshua. "Let''s get Candida home."


    Joshua drove, making sure Candida reached her house safely.


    Before Candida got out of the car, Ste said quietly, "If anything unexpected happens, call me right away."


    Candida managed a faint, weary smile. "I will."


    Once Candida had left, Joshua turned to Ste. "Ms. Cameron, should we go to the hospital now?"


    Ste shook her head. "No, take me to Mr. Burton''s first."


    Last time, the trouble with Sellers had blown over because neither side was seriously hurt. This time, Karl''s injuries were severe-there was no way to keep it quiet.


    With that in mind, Ste borrowed Joshua''s phone and quickly called Neville and Abby, exining the situation in brief.


    Judging by Karl''s character, he


    seemed even worse than Sellers Ste couldn''t shake the fear that he''d try to retaliate-especially since Marvin was staying at her ce. She worried Karl might go after him.


    Neville listened, his voice turning dark and heavy. "Star, don''t worry. Marvin will be fine."


    He paused, then added, "For now, I''ll have someone keep an eye on you-quietly. Don''t say no, Star."


    Ste knew she''d made too many enemiestely and simply replied, "Thank you." After hanging up, Ste went to see Mr. Burton.


    She didn''t hold anything back, recounting everything that had happened in detail.


    Mr. Burton''s reaction was


    immediate and furious. "Ste, you


    did the right thing! That bastard Karl-if he everys a finger on you again don''t worry about my reputation. Just break him right there on the spot! The Burtons have plenty of people; losing a few won''t matter. You did what you had to do, and I promise, I won''t let Karl cause you any more trouble."


    A wave of guilt washed over Ste. The whole mess with Sellers and now Karl really had nothing to do with Mr. Burton himself-Sellers


    after Aurora Williams, and Karl was


    was


    out for Candida. Yet Mr. Burton was the one left to clean up after both of them.


    He sighed. "The Burtons are a big family, and I''ve been out of the picture for


    years. I usually stay out of the younger generation''s affairs..."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!