Ste let out a small, wryugh. "Honestly, I don''t even know what I''m thinking myself."


    Neville looked directly into her eyes. "Star, is he really just a respected teacher to you?"


    Ste''s breath hitched, and she instinctively tried to look away. However, His gaze pinned her in ce, giving her nowhere to hide.


    "I... I''m not sure," Ste said with difficulty. "He''s definitely different from everyone else to me."


    Neville knew that this difference would only be more profound after what had happened.


    His low, steady voice filled the quiet room, oddly calming her frayed nerves. "Star, if you don''t have an answer right now, give it time. It''lle to you."


    Ste seemed to want to say something, but Neville stopped her.


    He looked at her with aplex expression. "Although I hate the Gardners, he... he isn''t actually that bad. I can sense that his feelings for you are genuine. Star, whatever choice you make, I hope you won''t regret it."


    If Joshua were really as dangerous as he looked on paper, nobody would''ve been okay with him staying that close to Ste for so long. Although Neville had long seen that Joshua liked Ste and had noticed his small maniptions, he did ensure Ste''s safety, which made those other things seem less significant.


    Still, watching the woman he liked inch closer to another man turned everything sour for Neville.


    About an hourter, Abby returned with Keen.


    Upon her return, Abby clearly noticed that Ste''s mood had brightened considerably, and the smile on her face was much more genuine. Abby couldn''t help but marvel internally; Neville really had a way with her. Ste was lucky to have a friend like him.


    Neville stayed in the room a little longer. Seeing that Ste was looking tired, he got up to leave.


    "I''ll walk Mr. Connolly out," Abby said. "Keen, you stay here with Mommy for a bit. I''ll be right back."


    "Okay, Abby," Keen replied.


    Abby was eager to find out what Neville had said to Ste. She wanted to take some notes and learn from him.


    After Neville and Abby left, Keen said


    to Ste


    "Mommy, if


    should sleep for a while you


    over you


    Ste''s illness wasrgely due to the exhaustion from working long hours to deal with Sellers Burton. Her fever had just broken and she tired easily Hearing keen''s words, she nodded gently.


    "Okay, Mommy will sleep for a bit. Call me if you need anything."


    After Keen agreed, Ste closed her eyes and drifted off.


    Keen stood guard by Ste''s bed.


    Suddenly, he noticed a figure pacing back and forth near the doorway.


    Thinking it was Haynes, Keen opened the door.


    The person outside didn''t seem to expect the door to open so suddenly and froze on the spot.


    Keen looked up at the person. He


    was wearing a white coat and a


    surgical mask to his face was


    so


    obscured. But based on his build, he was a man, a tall one at that.


    Keen blinked. "Excuse me, doctor, are you here to check on my mommy? She''s already asleep."


    After a moment of silence, a slightly hoarse voice came from behind the mask.


    "In that case, I''lle backter."


    The man was about to leave when Keen stopped him.


    "Doctor, please wait a moment."