He nced beyond Ste and brightened.


    Ah, there he is.


    Turning, Stes eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Sanford.


    Sanford, equally astonished, had not anticipated encountering Ste at the hospital.


    Recovering quickly, Ste greeted him, Sanford, so good to see you.


    Is this distinguished gentleman your grandfather? Recalling Bets remarks about Sanfords modest circumstances and her fathers financial aid for Sanfords studies, she found the presence of a personal driver curious.


    Sanfords grandfathers apparent means stood in stark contrast to the story of dependency she had heard.


    With a scrutinizing look, Ste examined Sanford more closely.


    Sanford was visibly unsettled, wrestling with the uncertainty of what Den and Ste might have shared.


    His anxiety about potentially being unmasked silenced him.


    Observing Sanfords sudden reticence, Den let out a warm chuckle and began to exin, You see, hes not my biological grandson. Im just a lone elder with no kin of my own.


    It was during an asthma attack at a bustling auction a few years back that I first crossed paths with Sanford.


    He stood out as a genuinely honorable young man, and since then, Ive thought of him as a grandson who asionally helps look after me.


    Stes previous suspicions about Sanford faded, reced by a slight remorse for having doubted his integrity.


    She offered a sheepish smile and replied, I understand now.


    Sanford never mentioned this, and I nearly misjudged him.


    ying the innocent, Den inquired with a twinkle in his eye, Oh? So, you two are familiar with each other? Ste nodded.


    Yes, were friends.


    Hes remarkably talented in design, and our coboration on several projects has allowed us to build a strong rapport.


    Dens eyes crinkled with mirth as he said, Ah, so youre the Ste that Sanford speaks so highly of.


    Ste was caught off guard. She hadnt expected Den to say something like that so abruptly.


    Sanford quickly stepped in, his tone carrying a hint of irritation as he addressed Den.


    Pease stop.


    Den chuckled lightly.


    Whats wrong? Are you shy? If you keep pursuing her so timidly, when will you ever win her over? Ste waved her hands hastily, her voice tinged with urgency.


    Im sorry, but youve misunderstood.


    Im already married.


    Sanford and I are just friends.


    Dens expression shifted noticeably.


    The hope in his eyes dimmed, leaving behind a shadow of disappointment, as if his expectations had been dashed in an instant.


    An overwhelming sense of awkwardness settled over Ste, the air around her feeling thick and suffocating. She wished she could vanish on the spot.


    Breaking the tense silence, she managed to say, Well.


    I should get going.


    Please take care.


    Den spoke up quickly, his voice tinged with sincerity.


    Miss, youve been a great help today.


    Id like to invite you to dinner as a token of gratitude and to apologize for my earlier remarks.


    Ste gave him a polite smile and declined graciously, saying, Theres no need.


    Youre far too kind.


    It was just a small favor, and I have some matters to attend to, so I really must go.


    Den seemed ready to press further, but Sanford interjected before he could.