Just as Ste considered the possibility that the call was a mistake, Matthews voice, subdued and hesitant, finally pierced the silence.


    Hows your mom? Is she okay? Her response was cool, distant.


    Shes fine.


    Intent on hanging up, her mind a whirlwind of mixed feelings, Ste reached for the end call button.


    She wasnt in the mood for exnations or small talk.


    Matthew, picking up on her impatience, quickly interjected, Ste, hold on.


    Are you back in Prosper Bay yet? Her patience wearing thin, Ste answered tersely, Itste, Matthew.


    Im not up for a chat.


    Lets continue this tomorrow.


    Detecting the frost in her tone, Matthew hastened to rify, his words tumbling out in urgency. Robin wasnt released by me.


    When I got to the station today, the Wheeler family had already picked him up.


    When he began to exin, a wave of relief washed over Ste, softening her initial frustration.


    Maybe, just maybe, there was a misunderstanding after all.


    But as Matthew finished exining, the flicker of hope that had briefly warmed Stes heart was brutally snuffed out, plunging her mood into darkness.


    She knew the evidence she had provided when sending Robin to the police station was incontrovertible.


    There was no way the police would have released him without solid reasons.


    Moreover, the Wheeler familys influence had waned; in Seamarsh, theycked the clout to secure Robins release.


    It became clear to her: Matthew was fabricating this story.


    Yet, her reply was icy, a simple, I see. Matthew sensed the skepticism woven through her two words and pressed further.


    You dont believe me? Ste inhaled deeply, an effort to steady her swirling emotions.


    Seeing is believing.


    I saw Robin having dinner with you.


    Thats the undeniable truth.


    The words were out before she could temper them, and regret washed over her immediately.


    She had hoped for a meaningful dialogue, not this sharp exchange.


    Feeling as though she were a stranger to herself, driven by raw emotions, Stes difort grew.


    Matthews silence on the other end was telling.


    With a mix of frustration and resignation, she clenched her jaw and ended the call. Only then did she notice the tears that had begun to fall-a silent testament to the turmoil within.


    The following morning, Ste did her utmost to steady her nerves and went to work as if nothing had happened.


    The seed nted by Bes suggestion the night before had taken root, and Ste found herself seriously contemting the idea of opening a brick-and-mortar store to elevate her brand.


    Despite this newfound enthusiasm, the shadows ofst nights unsettling events lingered; Ste decided to maintain a cautious distance from Matthew for the time being.


    Upon reaching the studio, she wasted no time in scouting for the perfectmercial space nearby.


    She meandered through the streets, meticulously examining each potential spot and probing into the leasing terms.


    Yet, all morning, the spaces proved either too cramped or poorly situated.


    As noon approached, her quest remained fruitless.


    Back in the studio, Ste perched hesitantly at her desk.


    She remembered a promising spot on Frost Avenue, a property under the Prosperity Groups banner.