Joshua smiled. "It''s no trouble at all. I''m Star''s bodyguard-protecting her is part of the job."


    He nced over at Haynes. "You''ve been searching for Star all this time, Mr. O''Brien. You must be exhausted yourself. No need for you to carry her."


    He added, his tone light but edged, "After all, you''re the CEO-used to a life offort. Can''t risk you straining yourself. Me, on the other hand? I''m paid to do the heavy lifting. I''m tougher than I look."<fn25a8> Original content can be found at ?ovelFind</fn25a8>


    Haynes'' dark eyes narrowed. Joshua''s words weren''t just polite banter-they were a jab at his less-than-robust health. But Haynes didn''t take the bait. Instead, he turned to Ste.


    "Star, Joshua''s been looking after you for days now. He''s probably worn out. Why not let him get some rest?"


    The way Haynes phrased it was clever. If he''d simply suggested carrying Ste himself, she''d have refused without a second thought. But saying Joshua needed a break he knew Ste well enough to guess she couldn''t say no.


    Sure enough, after a brief hesitation, she nodded. “Joshua, you can put me down now. I''ve rested enough-I can walk for a bit."


    Joshua frowned in concern. "Star, your leg''s still injured. You really shouldn''t—”


    But Ste was already wriggling, determined to get down. Reluctantly, Joshua set her on her feet, worried she might fall.


    The moment her foot touched the ground, Haynes swooped in and lifted her into his arms.


    Ste blinked in surprise. "Haynes, what are you doing?"


    He answered in a low voice, "Joshua''s right-you shouldn''t be walking on that leg."


    Ste hadn''t wanted to burden Joshua, but being carried by Haynes wasn''t her n either. Her expression cooled. "Haynes, put me down. Now."


    Before she could finish, Haynes cut in gently, "Don''t misunderstand. Your leges first. Besides, we''re almost at the exit. Just bear with me for a moment, okay?"


    Seeing he wouldn''t make a scene in front of Joshua, Ste fell silent rather than risk creating an awkward spectacle.


    A subtle, victorious curve touched Haynes'' lips as he nced at Joshua-a look any man would recognize. It was a challenge, pure and simple.


    And Haynes had every reason to be confident. No matter how much Joshua had earned Ste''s trust Haynes had been by her side for five years a part of her life Joshua - could never touch.  s


    Joshua''s eyes darkened with frustration.


    Soon, they stepped out of the woods, where a line of cars waited by the roadside. Haynes carried Ste over to one of them.


    Benson, quick on the uptake, hurried over to open the car door for Haynes, then pulled open the passenger seat with a bright smile. "Mr. Gardner, after you."


    Joshua shot him a look but slid into the front seat without protest. Haynes settled into the back with Ste.


    The car eased onto the road. Only then did Ste remember to ask, "Haynes, how did you know where to find me?"


    Haynes replied, "Keen told me you hadn''te home. He said no


    matter how busy you are, you always check in on him—if you can''t make it back, you at least call. But the day you disappeared there was no call, and your phone was off. I tracked your phone''sst location, and that''s how I found you."  s


    Ste''s voice was soft. "I must have worried Keen... Thank you, Haynes."


    He shook his head. "You don''t need to thank me. You''re Keen''s mother. You''re the most important person in his world. Whatever I can do for you, I should."


    He knew Ste well-he didn''t try to guilt her, only offered quiet reassurance so she wouldn''t feel guilty. Haynes understood too well that pressuring her would only drive her away.


    Besides, he owed her far too much already—this was the least he could do.


    Ever since Ste had returned to the Williams family, he hadn''t been able to help much. He added, "The Williams family started searching for


    you as soon as they heard you missing, but they only really began today. I was just faster."


    belongs to s