The Camerons did indeed have some cunning.


    But only some.


    After spending a little more time in Nora''s room, the two of them returned to the main hall, where the staff was setting the table with an array of dishes.


    Seeing Ste, Aherne smiled. "Ah, Ste, you''re back. Please, have a seat. Dinner is almost ready."


    Ste nodded.


    Just then, a cheerful figure bounded over to her side.


    "Ste, it''s me, Lynne! You remember me, right?"


    Ste turned to see a pretty young woman with bright, lively eyes linking her arm affectionately. Her features were soft, her cheeks still holding a trace of youthful roundness, giving her an air of cheerful innocence.


    Ste subtly withdrew her arm. "Is there something you need, Lynne?"


    Lynne blinked, her eyes wide with admiration.


    "I''ve heard so much about you. You''re my idol, just as amazing as Aunt Nora was!"


    She then turned her attention to Joshua, her voice crisp and clear.


    "You must be Joshua, right? You''re really famous online, you know. You''re the ideal man for a lot of girls. Even though many people online think Ste would be a good match for Haynes or Neville Connolly, I still think you and Ste are the best fit. I''m a total shipper for you two!"


    Joshua raised an eyebrow at that. "A shipper?"


    Lynne nodded emphatically. "Yeah! Everyone''s guessing who Ste will end up with: Right now, the most popr choice is Mr. Connolly. Besides him, there are also people who want Ste and Haynes to get back together. Oh, and I almost forgot, Ste''s mentor, Antoney Watson, has his share of supporters too. But personally, I don''t think there''s much of a chance for Ste and Antoney."


    "Oh? And why is that?" Joshua asked, intrigued.


    Lynne winked yfully. "Ste and Antoney have known each other for so many years. If there were any sparks between them, they would have gotten together long ago. There would have been no room for Haynes! I think their rtionship is more like that of a brother and sister."


    "So who do you think she''s most likely to end up with?" Joshua pressed.


    "Well, I''m your shipper, so of course I think you two have the best chance!" Lynne said without hesitation.


    As they chatted, the meal was served. Ste was seated between Old Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, in the seat of honor. Normally, her junior status would have made such a position mappropriate, prone to drawing critical looks. Yet every member of the Cameron family wore a warm, easygoing smile, showing no sign of displeasure.


    Throughout the dinner, no one mentioned Skyler, thepany, or the shares. It felt


    like nothing more than an ordinary family gathering.


    After the meal, when Ste announced she was leaving, the Camerons didn''t press


    her to stay. Instead, they graciously walked her to the door.


    "The Williams family is cold and heartless," Old Mrs. Cameron said, her smile gentle. "They raised an illegitimate child as their own and ultimately drove Nora away. Ste, I know your rtionship with them strained. But that doesn''t matter. We, the Cameron family, will always be your staunchest support."


    Her smile remained kind. "Ste, you carry the Cameron name. That means you will always be one of us. Whenever you''re unhappy, you can alwayse back home."