My handbag and phone were missing left behind at the restaurant in my desperate escape from Miles.


    After signing the discharge papers at the nurses'' station, I stood outside the hospital entrance, wondering


    how to get back to Maple Grove.


    The night air was cool against my skin. I wrapped my arms around myself, contemting whether to call a


    taxi or walk to the nearest bus stop.


    A sleek ck car pulled up beside me, its engine purring softly. The window rolled down, revealing Lucas ckwood''s concerned face.


    "Miss Winters," he said, his voice carrying a warmth that contrasted with the cool night. "I''m d to see you''re


    awake."


    He stepped out of the car, his tall figuremanding yet non-threatening. “I''ll take you home, he offered gently.


    Relief washed over me. I epted his offer with a grateful nod and slid into the passenger seat.


    "Mr. ckwood, could you take me to the Stone family''s old house?" I asked, thinking of Matriarch Evelyn. I needed herforting presence tonight.


    Lucas nodded, directing his driver without question. As we drove through the quiet streets, he turned to me


    with regret in his eyes.


    "I must apologize for tonight''s incident," he said. "I was supposed to be your dinnerpanion, not Miles. I promise he will be held ountable.


    "It wasn''t your fault, I assured him. "You came when I needed help. That''s what matters."


    Lucas''s expression softened. We fell intofortable silence for the remainder of the journey, the city lights. blurring past the windows.


    When we arrived at the Stone family''s old house, Bernard Sheppard opened the door before we could knock. His dignified manner was unchanged despite thete hour.


    "Miss Winters, Mr. ckwood," he greeted us with a slight bow. "Pleasee in. Madam Stone is still awake."


    He ushered us inside, adding, "She specifically mentioned hoping to see you, Mr. ckwood."


    The old butler led us through the familiar hallways to the living room where Matriarch Evelyn sat in her


    favorite armchair.


    Her face lit up at the sight of us together. "Wanwan! Lucas!" she eximed, using my childhood nickname.


    "What a pleasant surprise!"


    "Grandma Stone," I greeted, bending to kiss her cheek.


    "Madam Stone," Lucas said respectfully, bowing his head.


    Matriarch Evelyn beamed at us, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction. She took my hand and patted it


    affectionately.


    "Wanwan, why don''t you prepare some tea for our guest?" she suggested, her tone making it clear this was more than a simple request.


    I nodded and headed toward the kitchen. To my surprise, Matriarch Evelyn followed me, leaving Lucas with


    Bernard.


    "Wanwan," she asked once we were alone, "what do you think of Lucas?".


    The question caught me off guard. "He''s very kind," I replied carefully. "And honorable."


    Before I could say more, Matriarch Evelyn''s face lit up with delight. She summoned a servant to bring the teal


    to the living room.


    "Come," she said, taking my arm. "Let''s not keep him waiting."


    Back in the living room, Matriarch Evelyn positioned herself between Lucas and me on the sofa. Despite


    age, her presencemanded attention.


    "Lucas, try Olivia''s tea," she said, her tone meaningful. "See if it suits your taste."


    her


    Lucas took a sip, his expression thoughtful. "It''s excellent," he said, turning to Matriarch Evelyn. "Very much to


    my liking."


    His gaze lingered on me with undisguised appreciation. I felt my cheeks warm under his attention


    "And what about our Olivia?" Matriarch Evelyn pressed, her intentions clear.


    "Even better," Lucas responded without hesitation, looking directly at me.


    The atmosphere in the room shifted suddenly. I felt it before I heard the footsteps - a cold, familiar presence.


    Ethan stood in the doorway, his eyes fixed on me with cial Intensity. His jaw was tight, his posture rigid with barely contained anger.


    Matriarch Evelyn noticed his territorial gaze and addressed him pointedly. "Ethan, you''re just in time."


    She gestured between Lucas and me with a satisfied smile. "I know you and Lucas are business rivals, but


    from now on, the Stone and ckwood families will be one."


    Her meaning couldn''t have been clearer. "Be mindful," she added, "and don''t make things difficult for Olivia."


    Ethan''s expression darkened dangerously as he understood his grandmother''s implication of a potential marriage between Lucas and me.