Be sensed some tension between Ste and Matthew, but the busy restaurant wasnt the ce to delve into it.


    She decided to wait and talk to Ste privately on the drive home.


    As they left the restaurant, Doreen lingered behind, her eyes sweeping the area for any sign of Dexter.


    Despite her hopefulness, he was nowhere to be seen, and her disappointment was palpable.


    Doreen, give it up.


    Hes already left.


    Seems like todays not the day for romance, Carly teased.


    I was just looking around, nothing more! Doreen quickly retorted, blushing.


    The twoughed and parted ways with Ste and the others.


    Meet me at the entrance. Ill get the car, Ste told Be and Alissa.


    Sure, go ahead, Be responded with a smile.


    As Be turned to chat with Alissa, she saw a familiar figure emerging from the restaurant next door.


    Ste, isnt that Matthew? Be instinctively called out, pointing at him.


    Ste halted, following Bes pointed finger.


    It really was Matthew, and he wasnt alone.


    Lindsay and Robin were at his side.


    A sharp pang of hurt gripped Ste, seeing him so close to the Wheeler family.


    Matthew had not only helped Robin get out of the police station but was now sharing a meal with them.


    What was she to him now? Seeing this, Be was even more convinced that something was wrong between Ste and Matthew. She knew Ste wasnt one to fabricate stories and remembered her mentioning Lindsay, the woman who had once saved Matthew before.


    Bes thoughts raced, piecing together that the tension between Ste and Matthew might involve Lindsay and the young man beside Matthew.


    At that moment, Ste felt a profound sorrow.


    She had no desire to confront Matthew in front of the Wheeler family, fearing it would only add to her embarrassment.


    She masked her distress and decided to pretend as if she hadnt seen Matthew.


    Lets go to the parking lot together.


    It isnt far, she said to Be.


    Be looked concerned for a moment.


    Then, she nodded, and they started to walk away.


    Just then, Matthew noticed Ste out of the corner of his eye. He froze, and the motion of pushing Lindsays wheelchair halted abruptly.


    Lindsay, perceiving the sudden change, looked up and spotted Ste too.


    Hey, isnt that Ste? Should we say hello? Lindsay asked softly.


    No, lets not, Matthew responded after a moment of hesitation.


    Robin overheard the exchange and felt a rush of anger, remembering his police station ordeal linked to Ste.


    Looks like Ste cant face me.


    Whats she guilty of? he sneered in a loud voice meant to provoke.


    Bes frown deepened at Robins words, and she turned to Ste in confusion.


    Ste, why would he say that? Is there something I should know? she asked.