At the Williams family home, the atmosphere was heavy.


    In the wake of Keen''s kidnapping, the family had gathered for the first time in ages.


    Regardless of Ste''s fractured rtionship with them, Skyler held Keen in extremely high regard. The moment he learned of the kidnapping, he dispatched his men and called an emergency family meeting to discuss the situation.


    Seeing Ste sitting off to one side, Israel remarked acidly, "You made this mess, and now you expect the Williams family to clean it up for you? If you''re so good at starting trouble, why can''t you finish it yourself?"


    Before Ste could respond, Haynes cut in, his voice cold. "Mr. Israel, if the Williams family is unwilling to help, you can recall your men at any time. Rest assured, even without you, we have our own ways of getting Keen back."


    Haynes''s sharp retort left Israel speechless, his face darkening.


    "Well, well," he said with a pointed look. "Ste gets your son kidnapped, and you''re still defending her? Funny how Keen was perfectly safe in Novaris. Hees to Solmaris, goes out with *her*, and suddenly he''s in trouble."<fn2686> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find(?)ovel</fn2686>


    Haynes''s gaze was icy. "Watch your words, Mr. Israel. Keen is my son, but he is also Ste''s. And I was with them today, not just Ste. So why are you pinning this on her? She''s the one hurting the most right now. As Keen''s uncle, it''s one thing not to worry about his safety, but why do you insist on slinging mud at her? You treat her more like an enemy than a sister."


    Israel''s face went white with rage. He opened his mouth, but for a long moment, no words came out.


    "That''s enough," Skyler cut in, his voice low and firm. "Stop the bickering. Keen''s safety is what''s important."


    He then turned to Ste, his voice softening. "Star, don''t worry too much. I''ve already sent people to find him. Keen will be alright."


    Ste was silent for a few seconds before replying, "Thank you."


    ying the part of a caring father, Skyler said, "It''s gettingte, Star. You should get some rest and have something to eat. I''ll let you know the moment we have news."


    bet


    Thest thing Ste wanted was to be in the same room as the family. She gave a slightnod. "Thank you, Father


    With that, she turned and left, Haynes and Joshua following close behind.


    As he watched her go, Israel


    sneered, "She knew she had enemies everywhere, yet she insisted on parading Keep around town See? She got what wasing to her."


    "Israel!" Skyler snapped. "If you can''t control that tongue of yours, get back to your room!"


    Seeing that his father was genuinely angry, Israel fell silent, not daring to utter another word.


    ...


    Not long after they returned to their floor, a maid came to report.


    "Ms. Cameron, a Mr. Foreman is here to see you."


    "Please, show him in," Ste said.


    Foreman entered a momentter, his expression tense. "Star, what''s the situation?"


    Ste shook her head. "No news yet."


    Just as she spoke, Haynes''s phone rang. It was Benson.


    "Mr.


    There''s


    our intel shows Gibson


    arrived in Solmaris seven days ago. no record of him leaving the country content