Ste smiled. "There were nurses at the hospital, and Joshua''s friends were


    helping out. It wasn''t that tiring, really. I actually had a lot of free time and even got some painting done."


    In fact, Lauretta''s associate had just picked up hertest work that very day. During Joshua''s hospital stay, Ste hadpleted two pieces, which,bined with a painting she had finished at home before he was injured, meant she had sent a total of three new works to the gallery.


    On the day of her birthday, not only did Abby and Antoney Watson show up, but Neville Connolly, whom she hadn''t seen in a while, also arrived with his son, Marvin. A dark cloud seemed to hang over Neville, suggesting he was dealing with some serious troubles. But the moment he saw Ste, he forced a smile.


    He handed her a gift. "Star, happy birthday."


    Marvin, standing beside him, presented his own gift. "Ste, happy birthday."


    "Thank you both," Ste said with a warm smile. Noticing Neville''s somber mood, she asked softly, "Neville, what''s wrong? Is Grandma Connolly''s condition worse? Mr. Burton is still in Solmaris, I could ask him to take a look."


    Neville shook his head. "No, Grandma''s condition is stable."


    If it wasn''t his grandmother, it had to be about Shirley Vance. Ste had been helping Neville with the investigation, but after Joshua was injured, her attention had shifted entirely to him, and she had put the matter on hold.


    Before Ste could say more, Haynes arrived with Keen. Both of them presented gifts to Ste.


    "Star, happy birthday."


    "Happy birthday, Mom."


    Keen pouted when he saw Marvin but finally held his tongue.


    Shortly after, Candida and Lauretta also arrived. Since Wendy and Katrina had a performance that day, Lauretta had brought their gifts as well.


    As the birthday girl, Ste was soon surrounded by Abby, Candida, and Lauretta, deep in conversation.


    Meanwhile, Haynes and Neville went way back. They''d had their differences, sure, but there was no bad blood between them. They made small talk about business.


    Suddenly, Neville thought of


    something and asked, "Where''s Foreman? Is he noting today Last saw him, he was still in


    Solmaris. Surely he hasn''t gone back already?"


    Haynes''s eyes narrowed slightly as he nced at Neville, whose lips curved into a knowing smile. "Youn know, I find it strange. As your best friend, Mr. O''Brien, when did


    Foreman get so close to Star?"


    "When did you find out?" Haynes asked. They were both sharp enough to


    understand the unspoken question.


    Neville didn''t y


    dumb. "Hees


    to Solmaris so frequently, and he always makes it a point to see Star. That''s not how someone treats their friend''s ex-wife." He chuckled softly. "So, Haynes: Jasper''s hung up on your ex-girlfriend, and Foreman''s after your ex wife. What a loyal bunch you have around you. Seems the divorce worked out pretty well for you, after all."


    Haynes ignored the jab and scanned the room, noticing that Joshua was nowhere to be seen.


    A shadow crossed his gaze. "Instead of worrying about my affairs, you should be paying attention to Joshua. After all, he''s the one Star trusts the most now."