?Chapter 1110:


    Ian was good at talking—almost too good. He moved from international affairs to culture and art with effortless charm, his insight sharp andposed. Even Ste had to admit he was impressive.


    But that was the problem. He was too perfect. And perfection, in her experience, was rarely harmless.


    Why would someone like him wander into an obscure little flower shop?


    As the conversation went on, Ste adjusted her cor absentmindedly, and a faint glint of light caught the amber ne around her neck—the one her mother had given her.


    Ian’s gaze followed it, his tone casual. “That’s a lovely piece. Amber, isn’t it?”


    Ste’s fingers brushed the pendant. “Yes. It was my mother’s,” she said softly.


    For just a second, something flickered in his eyes—there, then gone.


    When their tea was finished, Ian rose, thanked them both, and left with the same smooth grace he’d arrived with.


    After he was gone, Ste helped Jasmine clear the cups. “How long have you known Mr. Hayes?” she asked.


    Jasmine told her everything—how he’d shown up, their recent conversations, the little gestures that seemed thoughtful but never too personal. The more Ste listened,..


    The deeper her frown grew.


    “Jasmine,” she said slowly, “be careful around him. Something about him doesn’t sit right with me.”


    Jasmine’s eyes widened. “You think… he’s with Erebus? That secret organization?”


    Ste didn’t deny it. “He’s strange. Too fluent in the Choria dialect for a foreigner. When I picked this shop’s location, I made sure it was off the radar. There’s no way someone like him should’ve found it.”


    Jasmine bit her lip. She’d liked Ian—or at least thought she did—but hearing Ste say that made her pulse quicken. “Don’t worry, Ms. Russell. If he’s part of Erebus, I’ll never betray you.”


    Ste was more than a friend, and Jasmine would never betray her for a man she barely knew.


    The fierce loyalty in her voice made Ste smile despite herself. She reached over and gently ruffled Jasmine’s hair.


    “I’m not asking you to fight anyone. Just stay cautious. I’ll have someone look into him. You just take care of yourself, alright?”


    Discover more at


    Jasmine’s eyes shimmered. She knew Ste hadn’t helped her out of pure sentiment—it had been practical, calcted—but over time, it stopped feeling that way. To Jasmine, Ste had be family.


    A weekter, Jasmine called, her voice full of excitement. “Ms. Russell! Ian invited us to dinner. He said it’s to thank me for my help. Should we go?”


    Ste paused, thinking. “Let’s go,” she said finally. “I’d like to meet Mr. Hayes again myself.”


    If he was inviting both of them, then it wasn’t just gratitude. He was testing something—or someone.


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