Ste tumbled straight into a strong pair of arms.


    Even though Joshua reacted quickly, the waiter''s tray still tipped, and a ssh of wine spilled across Ste''s gown.<fn4b62> Discover more novels at find·novel</fn4b62>


    The waiter''s face went pale. He bowed repeatedly, stammering apologies.


    "I''m so sorry, Ms. Cameron. I really didn''t mean it! Please don''t be upset— please..."


    Ste''s appearance had already drawn attention, but now, with the ident, more and more people were gathering, curious eyes turning their way.


    "What''s going on? Why''s there a crowd over here?"


    "It''s nothing big. The waiter just spilled some wine on Ste''s dress."


    "Such a little thing, and yet everyone''s watching. Is Ste giving the poor guy a hard time?"


    "Tch, look at that—just a few days as a society darling, and now she''s throwing her weight around? Guess a girl from nowhere can''t keep it ssy."


    "Don''t start rumors. The spill just happened, and Ste hasn''t even said she''ll make an issue of it."


    It was a minor mishap, yet somehow it had be the center of everyone''s attention.


    Joshua''s eyes narrowed, his gaze turning dark and unreadable. He kept his arm securely around Ste, shielding her from the crowd. He didn''t seem bothered, but Haynes, watching from nearby, found the situation increasingly irritating.


    He strode over and, with a firm hand, drew Ste away from Joshua''s embrace. "Star, are you alright?"


    Ste blinked and nodded. "I''m fine."


    The young waitress, teary-eyed and trembling, stood off to the side, looking like a frightened rabbit.


    "Ms. Cameron, I''m truly sorry about your dress... I—I''ll clean it for you and return it as good as new..."


    She didn''t dare offer to pay for the gown-someone like Ste probably wore dresses worth more than she could make in a lifetime.


    But Ste wasn''t the sort to create a scene over a ruined dress. Her voice was calm.


    "That''s alright. I can take care of it myself."


    The waitress sniffled. "Ms. Cameron,


    e''


    I know where the dressing room is


    you? You can change into something else."  s


    you like me to shose."


    It was Aurora''s night, but Ste knew she couldn''t walk around in a drea drenched in wine. She gave a gentle he She gave a gentles nod  s


    "Thank you, that would be helpful.”


    With the drama defused, the crowd lost interest and gradually drifted away.


    Joshua made a move to follow, but Foreman-who''d been standing behind Haynes-spoke up suddenly.


    "Joshua, Star''s going to change. Don''t you think it''s a little inappropriate for you to tag along?"


    Ste turned in surprise.


    "Foreman? I didn''t know you were here."


    He gave a calm smile and exined,


    "Every year, Solmaris hosts a business conference. Haynes and I are here for that."


    That, of course, was why Haynes hadn''t left Solmaris yet.


    Joshua nced at Foreman.


    "This ce is crawling with strangers. As Star''s bodyguard, it''s my job to make sure she''s safe."


    Foreman arched an eyebrow, giving Joshua a look filled with meaning.


    "Are you nning to follow her into the changing room?"


    Joshua''s lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile.


    "I just want to make sure the area''s secure, then I''ll leave. Trust me, Mr. Richards—I''m not the type to huk outside the door, trying to sneak a peek."  s


    He turned to Haynes.


    "Wouldn''t you agree, Mr. O''Brien?"


    Haynes'' gaze darkened, but he stayed silent.


    He didn''t trust Joshua either, certain the man was up to something where Ste


    was concerned.