After finishing, Dexter looked directly at Ste and asked, How do you n to handle this matter? Ste pondered for a moment before handing over the voice recorder Emery had given her.


    Take this, along with the evidence youve collected, to the police.


    Let them handle it ording to protocol.


    Dexter epted the recorder and nodded.


    Understood.


    With that, he left.


    Ste sank into her chair, rubbing her temples, her thoughts spiraling.


    If Lindsay was behind this, Ste had to admit the womans cunning.


    Involving Robin proved just how calcting she could be. Her musings were interrupted by a knock on the door.


    Doreen stepped in.


    Assuming it was work-rted, Ste asked, Whats the matter? Is there an issue with the orders? Doreen smiled warmly.


    No, everything is running smoothly.


    Then, with a yful glint in her eye, she added, By the way, Ste, I just saw an incredibly handsome man leaving the studio.


    Who is he Ste nced at Doreens eager expression, already suspecting where this was headed.


    However, she wasnt in the mood for teasing.


    Hes someone Bet sent to assist with the investigation, she replied tly.


    A spark of excitement lit up Doreens eyes.


    Tentatively, she asked, So.. do you think I could get to know him? Ste typically avoided meddling in her employees personal Lives.


    However, she had a soft spot for Doreen and genuinely wished her happiness.


    After a brief pause, Ste responded thoughtfully, I dont know Dexter very well, but from what Ive seen, he seems capable and responsible.


    If youre interested, feel free to give it a try-just make sure it doesnt affect your work.


    Doreens face lit up, radiant with joy, like a child receiving a long-awaited gift.


    Dont worry, Ste! I promise it wont interfere with my job.


    Thank you! she eximed, practically skipping out of the room, her excitement contagious.


    Ste watched her leave, a faint smile tugging at her lips.


    But as soon as the door closed, her thoughts began to wander.


    Her mind drifted to her rtionship with Matthew. Their story had felt unconventional-skipping over the usual stages of rtionship and diving straight into marriage.


    Everything had unfolded so effortlessly, so naturally, without the typical buildup.


    Perhaps that was why, after the ident and his amnesia, Matthew had forgotten about their rtionship so easily.


    Taking a deep breath, Ste steeled herself, determined to refocus on the work at hand.


    As Ste picked up a document, her thoughts slipped back to Lindsays behavior that morning.


    Lindsay hadnt appeared to be faking it.


    If she was, it seemed improbable that even the doctors would beplicit in her charade.


    Ste paused, debating whether she should visit Lindsay at the hospital to put her doubts to rest.


    Her deliberation was interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing.