Though Ste was tempted by the idea, her thoughts wandered to herplicated and delicate rtionship with Matthew.


    With his uing surgery weighing on her mind, she found it hard to focus on the prospect of a store, leaving her feeling torn.


    Suddenly, Be seemed to recall something and said, I almost forgot-you left Prosperity Group to strike out on your own.


    You wouldnt want your sess to be overshadowed by the title of Mrs.


    rk.


    Dont overthink it.


    If you really want to open a store, take your time to evaluate the options.


    Seamarsh is big.


    There has to be more than one ideal location.


    Ste nodded in agreement.


    As the evening wore on, Alissa suggested, Why dont we go out for dinner? We can invite Doreen and Carly too. Lets make it a Lively gathering.


    Ste smiled and agreed.


    Sounds good.


    So much happened during the recentunch event that I never got the chance to properly host everyone.


    As theunch event crossed her mind, she couldnt help but recall the situation with Robin.


    Her expression darkened slightly.


    Be noticed the subtle shift in Stes mood.


    After some thought, she surmised that it was connected to theunch event.


    Rumors about Lindsay and Matthew had been circtingtely, which reminded Be of how Elizabeth had gone to extreme Lengths to win Matthews affection in the past.


    Be said, That day, the chandelier fell so suddenly.


    Despite Lindsays leg injury, she still rushed to save you.


    Shes truly a kind person. You should really show concern for her well-being and investigate the matter thoroughly to give her a clear exnation.


    Ste didnt want Be to know the unpleasant details, so she forced a smile and replied, Its nothing, just an ident.


    Ive already looked into it, and Lindsay is fine.


    Be frowned, her skepticism evident.


    How could it be such a coincidence? Something about this doesnt feel right.


    Afraid she might identally reveal too much, Ste quickly changed the subject.


    Lets not dwell on this now.


    We should head to the restaurant before Carly starts waiting impatiently.


    Be seemed reluctant to let the topic drop, but Ste was already pulling her and Alissa toward the door.


    On the way, Ste kept the conversation flowing with Alissa, asking about Carlys embroidery ss preparations and updating her about Doreens recent work performance.


    Her deliberate chatter left no opening for Be to revisit the chandelier incident. It wasnt until they stepped into the private dining room that Ste finally felt a sense of relief.


    Inside the private room of the restaurant, Carly was already seated, but Doreen had yet to arrive.


    As they settled in, Alissa quipped, Doreen is usually so punctual! Its rare for her to bete.


    When she gets here, we absolutely need to ask her what kept her.


    Meanwhile, Doreen was rushing out of a taxi, practically sprinting toward the restaurant.


    In her haste, she identally collided with someone.


    Sorry! she eximed, looking up-only to realize she had bumped into Dexter.


    Doreens eyes widened in shock when she spotted Dexter, her heart fluttering in her chest.


    Without thinking, she froze in ce, quickly straightened her clothes, and shed a bright smile, her voice filled with warmth as she said, Dexter, what a surprise! Just as she anticipated, Dexters response was as distant as a winter chill.


    He gave a brief nod, his expression unmoved.


    Doreen had long been used to Dexters distant attitude.


    Trying to act casual, she asked, What brings you here? Did Ste send you?