?Chapter 1168:


    He turned to Lance and motioned for him to leave. Together, they went straight to the doctor’s office.


    The doctor, aware they were family, exined Ste’s condition in detail—selective memory loss caused by neurotoxins. Every word aligned with what Marc had told them.


    When they left, both men looked defeated.


    They returned to Ste’s ward but couldn’t bring themselves to go in. From the window, they saw her smiling faintly, speaking softly to Marc.


    Then she noticed them.


    A momentter, Marc stepped out. “She wants to see you. I told her you’re her family. About the amnesia… think carefully before you mention it.”


    Lance brushed past him without a word and walked in.


    Ste looked up, nervous, her fingers twisting in the bedsheet. “Marc said you’re my family… that we can do a DNA test if I want. I trust him, so I trust you too.”


    Something twisted in Lance’s chest.


    Gratitude. Pain. Guilt. All tangled together.


    He wanted to tell her everything—to remind her of William, of the life she had built—but the words refused toe.


    He could only manage a weak smile.


    When Ste caught the shift in Lance’s expression, her heart dipped. For a brief moment, she thought he didn’t like her. But almost as quickly, she pushed the feeling aside.


    “I understand,” she said softly. “My sudden return must feel… strange. It’s fine if you’d rather not acknowledge me.”


    Lance’s eyes widened. “What? No! We’d never reject you, Ste. You’re family—no matter what’s happened or how much time has passed. You’ll always have a home with us.”


    His words tumbled out a little too fast.


    Ste blinked, taken aback by his sudden warmth.


    She hadn’t expected it.


    After a moment, she smiled faintly. “Then, as my family… I’d be honored to have you at my wedding with Marc.”


    Every tale finds a home at g?lnσν???s


    At the mention of “wedding,” Lance stiffened. His gaze flicked toward Karson.


    Karson’s face stayedposed. He gently patted Ste’s hand, his tone calm but probing.


    “As your grandfather, of course we’ll attend your wedding, and we’ll make it grand. But Ste…” He paused, his eyes searching hers. “I need to ask something. Are you truly happy with Marc now?”


    Ste hesitated, looking from one to the other. Then she lowered her eyes and smiled faintly. “I am happy. The man I love is by my side. We’re about to get married. I’ve found my birth family after all these years. These are blessings. Why wouldn’t I be happy?”


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