Foreman''s voice was gentle. "Let me give you a ride."


    Ste shook her head. “That''s all right, my friend''s car is parked nearby. He''s already on his way to pick me up."


    Foreman didn''t press her.


    Just as Ste turned to leave, Foreman called her back.


    "Star."


    She nced over. "Yes, Foreman? Is there something else?"


    His gaze dropped to her arm. "How''s that scrape on your arm doing?"


    Ste pushed up her sleeve so he could take a look. "It''s fine now."


    Despite her reassurance, the fresh scar on her skin made Foreman''s eyes darken.


    "I have some really effective scar cream at home," he said. "I''ll have my assistant send it over to you tomorrow."


    "Thank you, but that''s all right," Ste replied with a polite smile. "Keen already gave me some ointment that works wonders. I''m happy with it for now."


    "All right, but if you ever need anything, just let me know."


    After saying goodbye, Ste headed for the exit.


    She was in such a hurry that, just a few steps out, she identally bumped into a


    server.


    The young man instinctively reached out to steady her.


    "Thank you," Ste said.


    He was in his early twenties, and as soon as he caught sight of Ste, he stopped short, momentarily stunned.


    What a beautiful woman!


    He stammered, "N-no problem..."


    Ste shed him a quick smile, then hurried on her way.


    The server stood rooted to the spot, his ears burning red as he watched her disappear. He''d worked here for quite a while, but had rarely seen anyone as stunning as her.


    Just then, he felt a cold, prickling stare on him.


    He turned, uneasy, and found himself face-to-face with a young, well-dressed man. The man''s expression was icy, his gaze sharp and chilling.


    A shudder ran through the server. He quickly looked away, not daring to linger, and scurried off.


    Only when Ste''s figure vanished from view did Foreman finally, reluctantly, look away.


    He picked up his phone and dialed his assistant.


    "Did you make sure every trace of what happened to Karlst time was erased?"


    Call think Haynes was


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Richards," came We wiped everything wiped


    clean. They''ll all think


    responsible. No one


    you."


    Foreman''s voice was frosty. "There''s a waiter at this café who''s crossed me. Send someone to make sure he never uses his hands again."


    "Yes, sir. I''ll take care of it right away."


    "And..." Foreman''s expression was impassive. "Send over more of that ointment I asked forst time."


    The assistant hesitated. "You mean the one that heals wounds quickly but leaves bad scarring?"


    "That''s the one."


    "Understood. I''ll have it delivered to you immediately, Mr. Richards."


    After hanging up, Foreman paused, then dialed Keen.


    "Keen, did you run out of that ointment? I''ll have them send more over. Your mother''s hand was injured again..."


    Just as Ste had expected, after Abby issued her rification online, the bacsh only intensified.


    Even the official statement did nothing to sway public opinion.


    Most people believed the authorities were just covering for Ste, helping her fabricate the truth.


    Meanwhile, rumors about Ste acting like a diva at thepetition-looking down on other contestants—were being spread everywhere.


    The so-called "evidence" posted online was nothing more than snapshots of Ste having normal conversations with other participants.


    But with some deliberate twisting, those photos were painted as proof that Ste was being aggressive.


    Ste was too talented, and too beautiful.


    There was no shortage of envy among the contestants.


    Seeing how Felipa''s smear campaign against Ste had turned her into an overnight sensation, severat obscure contestants who had failed to reach the finals were quick to jump on the bandwagon.