She wiped away her tears, her voice thick with emotion.


    Matthew, maybe..


    maybe I should just stick with Dr.


    Watts conservative treatment.


    You have so much on your te with Prosperity Group every day.


    I dont want to add another stone to your burden.


    Matthew gave a small, reassuring nod, his words measured.


    I know what Im doing.


    Dont waste time worrying about it.


    His eyes lingered on Ste, who had remained silent through it all, and he added, almost instinctively, And besides, Grandmas been hoping to see you get better soon.


    The wordsnded like a stone in Lindsays chest, and a cold chill spread through her veins.


    She knew all too well how much Lucia adored Ste.


    If she recovered, it was mo secret that Lucia would always favor Ste over her. But, wisely, Lindsay chose not to stir the pot; instead, she simply nodded, her acknowledgment faint butden with unspoken thoughts.


    At that moment, Stes phone buzzed, its shrill ring slicing through the tension in the corridor like a de through silk.


    She nced at the screen.


    It was Lucia.


    After answering, Stes expression flickered for a heartbeat before smoothing into a mask ofposure.


    When the call ended, she turned to Matthew, her voice low but firm.


    Leona Wheeler is here.


    Shes at your grandparents home now.


    As Ste and the others crossed the threshold into the rk family residence, their eyesnded on Leona Wheeler, the current matriarch of the Wheeler family.


    Younger than Lucia, Leona exuded an aura of unyielding authority-her gaze sharp and unblinking, like a hawk circling prey.


    She was a force of nature, asmanding as a thunderp, warning anyone who dared to approach her that they were stepping into dangerous territory.


    Standing beside her was Betsey, Lindsays mother.


    Stes mind shed back to herst unpleasant encounter with Betsey, a storm of worries rising in her chest.


    She suspected they hade because of Lindsays condition. As soon as Betseyid eyes on Ste, it was as if a fuse had been lit.


    She erupted like a volcano, her voice harsh and shrill.


    Ste, let Robin go! What right do you have to have him arrested? Matthew frowned at the outburst, his calm demeanor starting to fray at the edges.


    Lindsay, panicking internally, feared the situation was about to spiral into chaos, potentially making things worse.


    But Ste remained as calm as a stillke, her voice smooth and measured.


    I dont understand what youre talking about.


    Why Robin was arrested isnt something I know anything about.


    Betseys fury red even higher, her gestures wild and erratic as she shrieked, Stop ying games! Robin was hauled off to the police because you used him of tampering with lights! Dont think Im oblivious to that! Stes brows furrowed in mild surprise.


    She hadnt expected Dexter to act so swiftly, moving to have Robin arrested so quickly.


    But she wasnt one to let herposure slip.


    With calcted calmness, she replied, Betsey, if you have a problem with the police, you should take it up with them.


    This isnt the ce to raise a ruckus.


    The rk family doesnt control the police station, so theres no point in creating a scene here.


    Betseys face flushed a deep crimson, her fury intensifying with each passing second. She lunged at Ste, her hand raised as if she were about to strike, her insults raining down like daggers.


    Stes reaction was lightning quick as she seized Betseys hand in a firm grip.


    Lucia, barely containing her irritation, leaped to Stes defense with fiery words.


    Betsey, what on earth are you doing? Were on the grounds of the rk family home, where such wild behavior simply isnt tolerated! In the midst of Betseys chaotic rant, Matthews brow creased in a scowl.


    He projected his voice across the room, cutting through the noise.


    Hold on a moment, exin yourself.


    This is not some rowdy public square! At that point, Leona chimed in.


    With a serene look, she eyed Betsey and chided, Betsey, please, settle down.


    We are here for a discussion, not to stir up a scene.


    Leona then turned her gaze to Ste, her tone dripping with arrogance and scorn as she remarked, Humph.


    Seamarsh falls under Matthews rule, and overpowering someone on their own ground isnt childs y.


    Ste, imprisoning someone is hardly a challenge for the rks.


    We werepelled to seek you out.


    Now, what must the Wheelers do for you to grant Robin mercy?