There were times when it just wasn''t practical for Abby and Ste to take care of Foreman on their own-he was a grown man, after all.


    Foreman seemed to sense their awkwardness and, to make things easier, hired two professional caregivers. Most of the daily tasks were handed over to them; Ste stuck to preparing his meals, insisting on cooking for him herself. When Ste was busy in the kitchen, Abby would step in and keep an eye on Foreman. That afternoon, Foreman''s assistant dropped by with a work update.


    Foreman had already been in the hospital for a week, and his business couldn''t be neglected any longer. Seeing the assistant arrive, Abby took the hint and quietly excused herself. "I''ll go check in on Star."


    To make things easier for Ste, the hospital had set up a small kitchen nearby so she wouldn''t have to run back and forth with Foreman''s meals.


    Once Abby left, the assistant first gave a routine report onpany matters. When he finished, he nced toward the door. Noticing the security guard standing watch outside, he lowered his voice. "Word from Neo-Vespera-there''s talk that Mr. O''Brien might be regaining consciousness."


    Foreman''s brow furrowed. He responded without hesitation, "Tell the medical team to make sure Haynes stays under-whatever it takes. We need at least two more weeks."


    Haynes''s team had been handpicked by Foreman himself. The fact that Haynes was still unconscious was no ident.


    The assistant continued, "Haynes''s aide, Benson, seems to be suspicious. He''s started tracking the movements of people close to Mr. O''Brien, especially Jasper. He hasn''t connected the dots to Mr. Richards yet, but if Benson turns to Ms. Cameron for help and she brings Mr. Burton in, we could be exposed."


    Foreman considered this, then nodded. "Two more weeks. We just need to stall for another two weeks."


    The assistant acknowledged the order and started to leave, but Foreman stopped him. "What about those hitmen? Are they in ce?"


    Lowering his voice further, the assistant replied, "Everything''s set. Even if Haynes wakes up, he won''t be able to trace a thing."


    Haynes of Neo-Vespera was a big name, but Foreman''s own influence wasn''t any less formidable-he just preferred to keep a low profile. Most people even Haynes and Jasper themselves, had no idea of his true capabilities.  s?novel


    A faint, satisfied smile yed at Foreman''s lips. After saving Star''s life, he figured


    he was just as important to her now as Haynes had ever been.


    ...


    In the hospital''s small kitchen, Ste was simmering a medicinal broth.


    Abby walked in. "Star, let me give you a hand."


    Ste looked over without surprise. "Foreman''s assistant came to give him an update, didn''t he?"


    "Yeah," Abby replied, watching Ste work. "Star, making these herbal broths is exhausting. You barely get a break all day. Why not let the caregivers handle it?"


    Ste checked the time, added a few


    more ingredients to the pot, and


    shook her head. "No, it''s fine.


    Honestly, I don''t mind. If I had


    nothing to do, I''d just have tosit in


    the room with Foreman..."


    Her voice trailed off into a soft sigh. "He saved my life, but I honestly don''t know how to face him anymore."


    Abby understood all too well-because of Haynes, the chances of Ste ever warming up to Foreman were slim.


    She opened her mouth to say something, then thought better of it. If Star didn''t know about Foreman''s feelings for her, maybe things could stay uplicated for a while longer. If she ever found out it would only make things harder.


    Stedled out a bowl of the nourishing broth and handed it to Abby. "Would you


    bring this to Foreman for me?"


    Abby took it with a gentle smile. "Of course."