"It''s only by living with the Williams family that you can really keep your finger on the pulse," Ste said, making her intentions perfectly clear.


    Abby instantly understood. If Ste moved into the Williams estate, she''d be the first to hear about new business partnerships or any major events. Ste was after power-knowing yourpetition, inside and out, was just step one.


    Living at the Williams estate would make everything easier.


    Abby knew it too, but she still couldn''t help worrying about Ste''s safety.


    After a moment''s thought, she suggested, "What if I applied for a job as a housekeeper at the Williams estate? That way, if anything happens, I''d be close by to help you."


    She''d considered renting a ce nearby, but the Williams estate was massive, surrounded by private roads and woonds. The nearest houses were miles away; if Ste got into trouble, help would never arrive in time. And getting past the estate''s security was nearly impossible unless you belonged there.


    Ste shook her head. "Abby, there''s really no need. I am family, after all. They''re not going to do anything to me."


    It took some gentle persuasion, but Ste finally convinced Abby to drop the idea of working as a housekeeper.


    ***


    At the Williams estate, Skyler had called a family meeting to announce Ste''s return.


    Coleman and Israel already seemed to know; their faces betrayed nothing. After all, Skyler and Jonathan had stayed in Novaris for ages just to bring Ste home.


    But then Skyler added, "Ste will also be joining The Williams Group."


    Coleman''s brow knotted. "Ste? Working at The Williams Group? All she''s ever done is y music. She''s never had any business experience. What could she possibly contribute?"


    Israel scoffed, "Dad, big brother, it''s one thing for Ste to dream big, but why are you both encouraging this nonsense?"


    Jonathan interjected, "You''ve all heard about Ste''s recent kidnapping. With her hand injured, she can''t y the violin anymore. She wants to try working at The Williams Group for a while."


    Coleman''s voice was cold. "I''m against it. I''m not cleaning up whatever mess she''s bound to make."


    Israel added, "So what, she''s bored


    and wants to feel needed? Dad, big brother, wasn''t Ste the type who wanted to settle down and y house? Now she''s divorced and clearly lonely. Maybe you should set her up with some eligible


    bachelors-she might stop fixating on thispany nonsense."


    He paused, then nodded toward Coleman "He''s right. If Ste joins The Williams Group, she''ll only cause trouble. Who knows, maybe those old-timers in the boardroom will use her for their own ends.”


    Israel''s words made Jonathan''s brow twitch. Israel always had a knack for seeing


    things from a different angle. Maybe he had a point.


    Jonathan turned to Skyler. "Father,


    Israel''s not wrong. Ste just got divorced, and now with her hand injury, she can''t y music. She''s just looking for something to do. Why don''t we introduce her to some promising young men? Maybe then she''ll have other things on her mind.”


    Skyler frowned. "But I spoke with Star about this. She said she doesn''t want to get involved with anyone, at least for now."


    Israel shot back, "That''s only because Haynes cheated on her. If you ask me, anyone who put up with his affairs for that long is a hopeless romantic. Some people never change."