Ste wanted to say something, but her throat felt blocked with cotton, unable to make a sound.


    Having Joshua undergo hypnosis meant the two of them would have to separate. But they were getting married soon, and now she was being asked to leave him. Ste was unwilling and found it incredibly hard to ept.


    As if seeing what she was thinking, Old Mr. Burton said, "Ste, I know you and that boy from the Gardner family went through hell and high water to finally be together. But some things can''t be solved just by having a good rtionship, let alone being resolved by love. It''s like someone getting sick; if they don''t go to the hospital or see a doctor, and just pray at home for the gods to cure them, is that possible?"


    Old Mr. Burton had known Ste for years and was incredibly fond of her, otherwise, he wouldn''t have consistently given her so many resources.


    If it were anyone else, he might not have bothered saying these things.


    But he genuinely cared for Ste; he had to make her see reality clearly so she could prepare and n early.


    Ste''s eyshes fluttered gently, a hint of deep bewilderment surfacing in her eyes.


    Old Mr. Burton knew this decision was just too cruel for Ste.


    He said, "Think it over carefully. If there''s anything you need help with, just ask."


    Ste was lost in her own world, seemingly not hearing him.


    Old Mr. Burton didn''t say anything more; he sighed, got up, and left.


    A breeze brushed past Ste''s cheeks and through her hair, carrying a trace of chill.


    Ste sat there like a statue, motionless for a long time.


    She didn''t know how much time had passed when a soft meow broke the silence.


    "Meow."


    Ste turned her head and saw a shiny-coated calico cat that had appeared beside her at some point.


    Seeing that it had caught her attention, the cat agilely hopped into Ste''sp, rubbing against her affectionately.


    Ste quickly recognized that this cat was actually Calico.


    She stroked its fur and asked softly, "Calico, what are you doing here?"


    As soon as the question left her mouth, Ste realized how silly it was.


    She recalled the email L had sent not long ago, which included photos of Calico.


    During that month on the ind, Calico had spent almost all of its time with her.


    Seeing this little cat now, Ste''s


    gaze unconsciously softened, andet


    her chaotic thoughts finally cleared up a bit. Content b


    Maybe there were other ways.


    belongs


    She couldn''t give up. If she gave up, she and Joshua would truly have no future together.


    The most pressing task right now was to find a specialist in this field.


    Joshua had said that as long as it wasn''t hypnosis, he was willing to try any treatment n.


    She stroked Calico''s head, contemting her next move.


    She picked up her phone to make a call, but it rang before she could dial.


    It was Abby Murphy.


    Ste answered, "Abby, what''s up?"


    Abby asked, "Ste, didn''t you see today''s news?"


    Ste hade straight to Old Mr. Burton''s ce this morning and hadn''t had a


    chance to check her phone.


    "No, did something happen?"


    Abby lowered her voice. "Something happened to the Chapman family."


    Ste was startled. "What happened?"


    Abby said, "It looks like the Chapman


    I.ne


    family''s corporate secrets were leaked Several of their projects have run into major issues."


    Ste asked, "How could their corporate secrets be leaked?"


    Abby replied, "I don''t know the exact details either. You could ask


    Lauretta, she''s still living at act


    heel.ne


    Chapman House and should know."