Miley, deeply troubled by Stes recent ordeals, broached the subject of Lindsay.


    She had discerned that much of the friction between Matthew and Ste could be traced back to Lindsays meddling.


    With a furrowed brow, she ventured, Ste, what exactly is happening with Lindsay? I was thankful when she rescued Matthew, but her actions since then reveal deeper schemes.


    It seems shes using her heroic act! as a chess piece, manipting us all and souring the air with difort.


    A shadow crossed Stes face as she revisited the harrowing chandelier incident in her mind.


    Desiring to shield Miley from further worry, she offered a cating response.


    Oh, her? Matthew has taken care to arrange a doctor for her injured legs.


    Were expecting him in Seamarsh any day now.


    Miley, her indignation barely contained, pressed on.


    Does she really think her sly maneuvers escape our notice? Initially, I was convinced of her sincerity, but its clear now-it was all a performance. Shes merely fanning the mes between you and Matthew.


    Its downright disgraceful.


    Ste remained silent, her thoughts a jigsaw of suspicions now aligning.


    She had long questioned Lindsays daring rescue under the crumbling chandelier, but the emerging rity shed light on the underlying motives.


    Lindsay had mastered the art of the masquerade: adopting the guise of generosity to gain everyones favor, and then exploiting it to weave her personal agendas into the fabric of their lives, all while maintaining an aura of innocence and benevolence.


    After concluding their meal, Ste and Miley stood up, their spirits lifted slightly by the repast.


    As they prepared to exit the restaurant, an unsuspecting figure darted from a corner and stumbled squarely into Ste.


    They bumped into each other, quickly stepping back and apologizing in unison.


    Sorry.


    Sorry. Ste looked up, and after a closer look, she realized it was Emery.


    A flicker of surprise crossed her face.


    Emery, equally startled, hadnt expected to run into Ste here.


    Ever since Kristians incident, Emery had been on edge.


    She worried her fathers troubles might spill over to her, while constantly fearing something terrible might happen to him.


    But time had passed, and her position at thepany remained unchanged.


    Her father was fine.


    Surprisingly, it was Matthew who ended up in trouble while conducting business abroad in Sothrea.


    Nearby, Miley watched them curiously.


    She turned to Ste and asked, Ste, do you know her? Ste nodded and offered a brief exnation. She works at Matthewspany.


    There was a project I had trouble with before, and Emery helped me out.


    But were not that close.


    As Ste finished speaking, she and Emery exchanged another nce.


    Confirming that they were both fine, they prepared to part ways.


    Just as Ste turned to leave, Emery called out, her polite smile unwavering.


    Mrs.


    rk, could I have a word with you? Sensing the moment, Miley smiled and said, Ill wait for you at the entrance, Ste.


    With that, she headed toward the restaurant door.