"He ended up calling me, and he finally rxed when I told him you were just asleep."


    Ste mumbled a response.


    Noticing Ste''s low spirits, Abby asked with concern, "Star, what''s wrong? Are you in a bad mood?"


    Ste rubbed her weary brow. "Maybe I''ve just been too tiredtely."


    Abby sighed. "I know it''s a good time to poach some of Aurora''s resources while she''s away, but your health is the most important thing. Star, you don''t have to push yourself so hard. We have plenty of time."


    Ste nodded, then asked, "By the way, Abby, have you been in touch with Hand recently?"


    "No, I cut off all contact with him after I left the Lerman family," Abby replied.


    "Do you think... his blindness and disability are real?" Ste asked.


    "I''m not sure about his eyes, but his legs were definitely badly injured. I don''t know if


    he can actually walk or not, though," Abby said.


    Ste nodded and didn''t ask any more questions.


    Soon, Abby drove them back to the Williams family estate, and the two went to rest.


    For the next several days, Ste buried herself in work.


    She replied to almost all of Joshua''s texts, but she turned down his repeated invitations to meet. She needed time to think things through carefully.


    One day, she received an unexpected call from Neville.


    "Star, I''m back from my business trip. Are you free for dinner tonight?"


    Though Neville had moved his operations to Solmaris, he was still incredibly busy and often had to travel. Every time he returned, he would ask Ste out for a meal to catch up.


    They didn''t see each other often, so Ste almost always epted his invitations. This time was no different.


    "Okay."


    At six in the evening, Ste arrived at the restaurant on time.


    Neville was already waiting by the window. When he saw her approach, he stood and gantly pulled out her chair.


    "Star, you''re here."


    Ste sat down across from him. "Have you been waiting long?"


    "No, I just got here myself," Neville said.


    Once they were seated, Neville called the waiter over to order.


    They chatted for a bit about Marvin''s condition.


    Then, Neville asked, "Star, are you and Joshua together?"


    After a few seconds of silence, Ste gave a slight nod.


    Aplex emotion flickered in Neville''s eyes. "It seems time has given you your answer."


    Remembering his past encouragement, Ste said, "Neville, thank you."


    Neville smiled. "We''re friends. You don''t have to be so formal."


    He didn''t dwell on the subject and quickly changed topics.


    After dinner, Ste still had some work


    back and needed to e office so Nevet


    her there.


    drove


    As she was getting out of the car,


    just about to say goodbye, Neviet


    suddenly said: "Star


    She looked back at him. "Neville, is there something else?"


    "Can I give you a hug?" he asked.


    Ste looked at him and nodded.


    Neville gave her a light embrace and quickly let go.


    "Star, I wish you all the happiness," he said.


    Ste took the elevator back up to her office.


    It was already eight at night, and the office was quiet and deserted.


    She opened her office door.


    Before leaving, she had left a smallmp on.


    In the dim light, a tall, slender figure was sitting quietly on the sofa. His lonely silhouette cast a shadow on the wall, creating an indescribable sense of solitude.