The Williams estate was sprawling-far more than just a single mansion. In fact, there were several buildings dotted across the grounds, and it wasn''t umon for the family''s security team to live there as well.


    So when Joshua moved into the Williams estate, it didn''t feel out of ce at all.


    Ste thought for a moment. "Is Joshua okay with this?"


    Abby replied, "I asked him. He didn''t mind-said it makes no difference to him where he stays."


    Ste didn''t insist any further. "As long as he''s willing. There are more than enough rooms here, and if I want to bring someone in, it''s never a problem."


    "Good." Abby finally looked relieved. "Star, while I''m away, if anythinges up, you can always call me. Please, don''t keep things from me."


    Ste''s voice was warm. "I know."


    With that, Abby left.


    Once Abby was gone, Ste gently hugged Nocturne Ste. She would never let anyone take away what belonged to her again.


    ...


    The next morning, Ste arrived on time at the ce she''d agreed to meet Foreman.


    There was an art exhibition currently showing in Solmaris, and Foreman seemed genuinely interested. He''d invited Ste to see it with him.


    Though she could no longer y violin, one of her hands still had enough strength to draw. Painting was something she hadn''t done in a long time, and now, with more free time, she could finally revisit that old passion.


    When Ste arrived, Foreman was already waiting outside the gallery.


    The moment he saw her, his eyes lit up and a gentle smile tugged at his lips. "Star, you made it."


    Ste was about to reply when the door of the car beside her swung open. A tall, lean figure stepped out, his features striking and sharply defined, like the sky after a summer rain-clear and unclouded.


    Foreman''s smile froze instantly.


    Joshua had already walked over, greeting him with a warm, easy smile that seemed to radiate sunlight. "Good morning, Mr. Richards."


    Ste exined, "Foreman, Joshua''s here for our protection. The Lerman family has some influence in Solmaris, and I''m worried they might try something reckless."


    Joshua nced at Foreman, a faint, knowing smile ying at his lips "Don''t worry, Mr. Richards. As long as I''m here, nothing will happen to Star What happenedst time will never happen again."


    The words hit Foreman right where it hurt most. Hisposure nearly cracked.


    He understood exactly what Joshua


    ет


    was implying. If he''d done a better job protecting Ste, her hand wouldn''t have been ruined, Nocturne Ste wouldn''t have been destroyed-and, perhaps, if he hadn''t been selfish, Leonard wouldn''t have found his opportunity. Because of him, Ste would never y the


    violin again.


    Foreman lowered his gaze for a moment, but quickly regained hisposure. "... You always think ahead, Star."


    This Joshua had earned Ste''s trust—a dangerous thing. But for now, Foreman had other priorities.


    The three walked into the gallery together.


    Although Joshua was technically Ste''s bodyguard, he strolled


    alongside her, asionally chatting andughing with her. They looked nothing like employer and


    employee-more like old friends reunited after years apart


    Foreman walked on Ste''s other side, but it almost felt as if he didn''t belong.


    When Ste heard Joshua casually discussing the paintings, she couldn''t hide her surprise. "Joshua, you know about art?"


    Joshua smiled. "A little, not much. I know enough to make conversation, but I can''t discuss the finer points."


    Steughed at his candor. "You''re too modest."


    Truthfully, Ste didn''t know much about Joshua''s past. He rarely spoke about himself; she didn''t even know what he''d done beforeing here.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!