Ste saw that Abby, who had left early the day before, was among the performers.


    Though Abby''s ying was only average, a warm feeling spread through Ste''s heart.


    What surprised Ste the most was that Haynes performed a solo piano piece, and Neville Connolly yed a violin duet with Marvin.


    Watching two powerful men, who were usually buried in work, perform on stage was a strange and wonderful experience.


    For Ste, it was a huge surprise.


    Keen had clearly put a great deal of thought and effort into this, managing to gather so many people in such a short time.


    Ste was deeply moved.


    Since there weren''t many performers, the small concert ended in about an hour.


    After the performance, Ste held Keen''s hand with one hand and Marvin''s with the other, following the group to the restaurant that had been arranged for dinner.


    Keen brought out a small jug and said to Ste, "Mom, this is a fruit wine I brought all the way from Neo-Vespera. I brewed it myself. You have to try it."


    It had been a long time since Ste had felt so happy and rxed.


    She took the ss of fruit wine Keen poured for her and smiled. "Okay."


    Surrounded by people she trusted, Ste allowed herself to let loose for once. The fruit wine didn''t have a high alcohol content, but Ste drank quite a bit and started to feel a little tipsy.


    Keen looked up and asked, "Mom, is the fruit wine I made good?"


    Ste nodded gently. "It''s delicious."


    Ste looked down at Keen and asked, "Keen, how did youe up with this idea?" Keen blinked, a mysterious look on his face. "That''s my little secret. I can''t tell you." Seeing this, Ste didn''t press him further.


    Marvin, not to be outdone, spoke up from the side.


    "Ste, I got you a present, too."


    Ste looked at Marvin and smiled. "And what present did you get me, Marvin?"


    Marvin handed Ste a delicate little box. "I made it myself. See if you like it."


    Ste opened the gift from Marvin.


    Inside was a star-shaped pouch.


    A faint, pleasant scent wafted to her nose.


    Ste said, "It''s beautiful, and it smells wonderful. I love it. Thank you, Marvin."


    Marvin beamed when he heard Ste say she liked it.


    Soon after, Lauretta, Katrina Greene, Wendy Burke, and the others came over to chat with Ste.


    They hadn''t seen each other in a long time and had endless topics to talk about. Joshua simply watched the scene without interrupting Ste.


    He knew she had been exhausted recently,


    atmegling work and his


    and hadn''t had a chance a long time.


    to rest and rx in


    Keen had truly given Ste the surprise she needed at the most crucial moment.


    Joshua''s downtime didn''tst long. Soon, Keen and Marvin swarmed him, pestering him for a game of darts.


    The venue they had rented was an ? all-in-oneplex with facilities for leisure entertainment, sports and


    dining, equipped with orts and


    every


    amusement imaginable.


    The dart hall was right next door, with floor-to-ceiling ss windows that view of the dining ered a area.


    After a moment''s hesitation, Joshua agreed.


    He knew that Ste needed some personal space from time to time.


    He couldn''t be too possessive.


    After letting Ste know, Joshua took Keen and Marvin to y darts.


    As Ste caught up with her friends, Haynes and Neville were tactful enough not to intrude.


    The two of them chatted idly.