Joshua couldn''t help ncing at her. "Aren''t you passionate about the violin? Doesn''t this matter to you?"


    Ste''s voice was calm and measured.


    "There are many forms of passion. Competing isn''t the only way to prove it.


    This time, it really was my fault. Felipa got caught up in the mess because of me. If the organizers decide to disqualify me, I don''t have much to argue.


    For me,petitions are just one way to grow, not the only one. I don''t have to participate at all costs."


    Thepetition was important, sure, but not so important that she''d sacrifice everything for it.


    Andpared to someone''s life, it barely even registered.


    Joshua was quiet for a while before he finally said, "You missed thepetition to save me. I''ll set the record straight for you."


    But Ste shook her head. "No matter what I say now, those people looking for trouble will always find something to twist.


    You''re my assistant-anyone could im we staged the whole thing. There''s no point."


    Joshua studied her. "So you''re not nning to exin yourself?"


    “I will, just not right away. The best time is when people have already decided not to believe a word I say. That''s when I''ll speak up."


    The realization dawned on Joshua, and an odd little smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.


    "Not a bad strategy."


    Ste knew she was in the wrong for missing thepetition. If Felipa was just looking to ride her coattails for some fame, Ste wouldn''t have cared. But if Felipa tried to ruin her reputation, that was a different story.


    y the fame game? Ste could y it, too.


    Whatever attention Felipa managed to steal from her-Ste would make sure she gave it all back, one way or another.


    Lowering her gaze, Ste said, "Focus on getting better for now. If you need anything, just let me know."


    Joshua replied, "You still haven''t answered my question from before."


    Ste remembered what he''d asked right before they wheeled her into the ER. "Weren''t you scared, just now?"


    She answered honestly. "Of course


    was.


    t in the moment, ed


    to get you out, fast.


    really thinking about it-ey


    To be honest, if I had to make the choice all over again, I''m not sure I''d have the courage to do it again."


    Joshua smiled faintly. "Either way, I owe you my thanks for saving my life."


    Ste shook her head. "You don''t have to thank me. If you hadn''t stayed so calm-and shielded me


    fatst blow-I''d be the d


    one


    lying here in this hospital bed.


    Maybe I wouldn''t even be able topete in the next round, or hold any more concerts.


    So, really, you don''t owe me anything."


    Joshua understood. "Alright. Got it."


    Ste asked, "Could you lend me your house key? I want to pick up a few things for you."


    Joshua tossed her the key. "Thanks. I appreciate it."


    Not long after Ste left, a young man with an unremarkable face entered the hospital room.


    "Sir," he said respectfully, "the medical team has arrived. From now on, our people will be overseeing your treatment."


    Joshua asked, “Did you find out who caused the ident?"


    "Karl," the man answered.


    Joshua''s tone was t. "There''s something I need you to take care of."


    "Just say the word."


    Joshua''s eyes drifted to the news ying on the television. His voice was almost careless. "Since Karl''s so desperate to ruin himself, let''s make it official. Out him to the world."


    A smirk yed on his lips. "Make sure it''s streamed live. I want everyone to see


    just how much he loves men."