The next day, Ste and the other party signed the contract without a hitch.


    Ste had been negotiating this deal for the past month, and all the specific details of the coboration had already been finalized.


    After the signing, the manager in charge of the project invited Ste to a celebration dinner, and she epted with a smile.


    The event wasn''t particrlyrge. Only the various partnerpanies were


    invited, so the crowd was neither too big nor tooplex.


    Gideon and Wilbur stood watch responsibly, not far from Ste and Abby.


    In this kind of setting, they couldn''t provide close-quarters protection, as it would be disrespectful to those who wanted towork with Ste.


    Abby said, "Star, after tonight, can we go sightseeing tomorrow?"


    Ste nodded. "Yes, I n to stay in Germany for about a week this time. Is there anywhere you want to go?"


    Just as Abby was about to answer, Ste''s phone rang.


    Ste picked it up and her eyes flickered when she saw the caller ID.


    Abby nced over and saw Joshua''s name. "Star, does Joshua know you''re in Germany?"


    "No," Ste said. "I didn''t tell him."


    Abby felt like she had asked a stupid question.


    Ste and Joshua''s rtionship was in a delicate ce right now; it hadn''t reached


    the point where they had to report their whereabouts to each other.


    Ste stared at the ringing phone, seeming to hesitate on whether to answer.


    Abby noticed her indecision. She opened her mouth to say something but ultimately remained silent.


    As an outsider, it wasn''t her ce to advise Ste on the matter.


    Ste had only juste to terms with the fact that Joshua had hurt her, and now she had to process his confession of love.


    It was truly a difficult position for her to be in.


    Ste still hadn''t forgiven Haynes for the pain he''d caused her, yet she had forgiven Joshua.


    In her heart, Joshua was different.


    Staring at the phone in her hand, Ste finally answered.


    She said softly, "Joshua."


    Joshua''s voice came from the other end. "Star, you''re not at the office?"


    Evidently, he had gone to herpany to look for her.


    "That''s right," Ste said. "I''m on a business trip in Germany."


    The other end of the line went quiet.


    Given their current rtionship,


    the other


    Ste hor Joshya needed to


    inform their travel ns.


    Yet, sensing Joshua''s silence, Ste found herself exining subconsciously.


    "This partnership was a bit urgent, so..."


    "How long will you be there?" Joshua asked.


    "A week," Ste replied.


    Joshua''s voice rose slightly. "That long?"


    "Abby wants to spend a few days sightseeing here, so we''ll be back a littleter," Ste said.


    He fell silent again.


    Ste wanted to say more, but


    Joshua spoke first Alright l


    get


    understand. If there''s nothing else, I''ll hang up now."


    After Ste acknowledged him, Joshua quickly ended the call.


    Ste stared nkly at her phone, her mind lost in thought.


    Solmaris.


    After hanging up, Joshua immediately called Harold.


    "Arrange a flight to Germany for me right away."


    Harold was confused. "Germany? Do we have a partnership in Germany?"


    "Star is there on a business trip,"


    a said. "And she''s nning et


    spend a few days sightseeing. I''m going to give her a surprise


    Harold was left speechless.


    Was he sure it would be a surprise and not a shock?


    Harold knew that Joshua''s goal since returning was to win Ste back.


    He immediately started making the arrangements.


    Once everything was settled, Harold''s mind began to wander.


    If Joshua won her back, everyone would be happy.


    But if he didn''t... what then?