Ste felt her breath catch in her throat. Her gaze shifted from Haynes to Joshua, who had suddenly fallenpletely silent.


    Normally, if Joshua were falsely used, he would have defended himself immediately. But today, from the moment he saw Rachel, he hadn''t said a word. That silence spoke volumes.


    Ste''s heart sank, a cold weight pulling it down. She lowered her eyes, hiding the storm of thoughts within. "I''m taking Rachel with me. I''ll look into this and deal with it once I have the facts."


    As she turned to go, Haynes reached out and caught her by the wrist.


    He looked directly into her eyes, his voice low and firm. "Star, you''ve never been one to run from the truth."


    Ste tried to pull her hand away, but for some reason, all the strength had seeped out of her body. Her eyshes fluttered, a nearly imperceptible tremor that Haynes, after so many years as her husband, caught immediately.


    He knew her so well. Aplex mix of emotions churned within him, a pang of heartache cutting through it all. In that moment, rity pierced through his haze of anger. Ever since learning the truth, a fire had been burning in his chest-a ze of rage, jealousy, and the bitter regret of losing her.


    He never denied that he was the biggest problem in their marriage. If he had cherished her more, no scheme from Rachel or Joshua could have ever worked. But how could he face the two people who had destroyed his marriage and say, ''You did nothing wrong, it was my fault for not beingmitted enough''?


    Haynes knew their marriage was vulnerable because it was already wed. But without those two, he and Ste might not have reached this irreparable point he might have had a chance to fix things. Now, he could feel that the chance of them starting over was practically zero.


    So, even knowing Foreman was just using him to drive a wedge between Ste and Joshua, he hadn''t been able to resist the temptation. He wasn''t that noble, not that selfless. Foreman must have sensed this, which was why he''d appeared at just the right time, dangling such an irresistible opportunity before him.


    V


    But now, in this instant, the jealousy that had clouded his judgment began to clear. He had been so desperate for Ste to know the truth that he''d forgotten how cruel it was to be betrayed by the one you trusted most She trusted Joshua sopletely. And now, to be told that he was one of the architects of her downfall... it was too brutal.


    trusted most, she tro


    Haynes''s resolve softened. He closed his eyes, deciding to back down. "Alright. If you want to take her with you, then..."


    Before he could finish, Joshua, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke.


    "There''s no need to take her anywhere."


    Everyone turned to look at him. Joshua''s expression was serene, showing no sign of guilt at being exposed, no trace of panic or distress. He was as calm as a bystander.


    "Rachel is telling the truth," he continued. "I was the one who helped her forge the medical records and bribe the doctor. And yes, I was the one who cleaned up her messes afterward."


    Although Ste had braced herself, hearing Joshua admit it so directly was a staggering blow. Her body swayed, and Haynes instinctively steadied her.