After the whole Israel affair was finally settled, Ste felt a weight lift off her shoulders. The tension that had gripped her for days finally eased, and for the first time in a while, she let herself rx.


    To Ste, defeating Israel wasn''t just about snatching power and profit-it was about teaching him a lesson he''d never forget, making sure he''d think twice before barging into her life with his empty provocations ever again.


    As their car sped down the road, Ste nced over at Joshua beside her.


    "Joshua, thank you for everything this time. If you hadn''t stepped in, there''s no way I could''ve snagged hispany at such a bargain."


    Joshua smiled softly. "I might''ve offered a few ideas, but when it came down to it, you made all the tough calls. Some people, no matter how much you help, just can''t get their act together. But Star, you''re still new to all this-every experience will help you further down the line."


    Steughed, turning back to him. "You don''t seem that much older than me, but you talk like you''ve seen it all."


    Joshua shrugged. "Maybe I''ve just worked more, seen a bit more life than most."


    Ste wanted to point out that he rarely spoke about himself, but the words stuck in her throat. It felt intrusive to pry into things he clearly didn''t want to share. Joshua suddenly broke the silence. "Did Haynes and Foreman leave already?" "Foreman''s gone," Ste replied. "Haynes will head back in a couple of days." Both Foreman and Haynes had stayed in town longer than expected, held up by the business summit hosted by Solmaris-and, unexpectedly, by the trouble that befell both Foreman and Ste.


    "Is Keen leaving with them?" Joshua asked.


    Ste nodded lightly. "Yeah, he''s got to get back to his sses. When he''s on break, I''ll have hime stay with me for a while."


    Joshua hummed in acknowledgment, falling quiet again.


    The city slipped away behind them as the car rolled out toward the countryside: The streets emptied, the houses grew sparse and


    eventually there was nothing thet


    open fields and the long, quiet road ahead.


    s


    Even after years living in Solmaris, Ste had never ventured out this far. She nced at Joshua, who seemedpletely at ease, offering no exnation. She let it go, choosing to trust him.


    After another half hour, a riot of color appeared on the horizon. Soon, the air was thick with the fragrance of wildflowers, unlike any she''d seen in the perfectly manicured gardens of Williams Manor. These blooms weren''t delicate or rare, but they exploded with life, a breathtaking tapestry that left her speechless.  s


    The car slowed to a stop.


    Ste stepped out, surrounded by a sea of blossoms. For once, a genuine smile broke across her face. "This ce is incredible, Joshua. How did you ever find it?"


    He looked out at the flowers, his expression softening. "I lived in Solmaris for a few years. Just stumbled on it by ident, really."


    The autumn air was crisp, the sun gentle as the season changed. Ste found a clean patch of grass and, without a second thought, stretched out on her back.


    Her uncharacteristic casualness caught Joshua off guard.


    Sensing his surprise, Ste grinned up at him. "Do I look ridiculous?"<fn14f7> Official source is FindN()vel</fn14f7>


    Joshua sat down beside her, nodding honestly. "You''ve always been so... graceful."


    Steughed. "That''s only because you''ve never seen me falling apart-or losing my mind when Rachel pushes me too far."


    Joshua fell strangely silent.


    Lying in the grass, Ste breathed in the scent of earth and leaves. Her voice grey soft. "You''re right, you know Ever since I married Haynes, ve tried so hard to never embarrass him. Always keeping up


    appearances, always ying the part."  s