Ste had just stepped into the bustling mall when her phone buzzed to life.


    She answered quickly.


    Matthew, theres something you should know.


    We have a family party tomorrow.


    From the other end, Matthews response was prompt and to the point.


    Im aware.


    Ill be taking Lindsay to the hospital and then join you afterward.


    There was a brief pause before Ste murmured a subdued Okay, her voice trailing off into silence.


    Feeling the shift in her tone, Matthew asked, Something wrong? Are you not happy with this? He added, I have to talk things over with Ronan about Lindsays progress before considering treatment abroad. With a faint smile, Ste replied, Its nothing, really.


    Just finding it hard to find the right words.


    Im at the mall, hunting for Kyras gift.


    She ended the call shortly after.


    Upon entering a jewelry store, Ste approached a saleswoman with a purposeful stride.


    Hello, I need a ssy ne for someone special whos turning seventy.


    The saleswoman, eager to assist, presented a selection of elegant nes.


    As they perused the options, Sanford appeared unexpectedly.


    Catching sight of him, Stes eyes widened slightly.


    Sanford, what a surprise! What brings you here? He shed a rueful smile, showing his undone cuff. Just wrapping up some business nearby and needed a new pair.


    What about you? Im on a mission to find the perfect gift for Kyra, Ste exined.


    Since you know her better than I do, maybe you could help me choose something shed love? With a nod, Sanford agreed, Absolutely.


    Guided by the saleswoman, they selected two striking nes.


    After some deliberation, Ste decided to buy both, with ns to surprise Lucia with the second one.


    She gestured to Sanford.


    Pick out your cufflinks while I handle the checkout.


    A twinge of guilt washed over her as she noticed the fading bruise on Sanfords face-a harsh reminder of his recent run-in with Matthew.


    Sanford epted her offer, saying, Since Ive provided advice for the nes, why dont you pick out a pair of cufflinks for me? They made their way to the mens section, and Ste quickly chose a sophisticated pair of cufflinks. As she reached for her card to pay, a sharp, malicious voice sliced through the air.


    Does Matthew know youre spending the rk familys money on a lover? Ste and Sanford turned sharply to face Betsey and Leona, who stood there with expressions of scorn.


    The duo had been shopping when they caught sight of Ste with apanion, prompting them to barge into the situation.


    Stes brow furrowed, irritation sparking within her.


    With no intention of entertaining their intrusion, she addressed the saleswoman withposed urgency.


    Could we expedite the payment, please? But Betsey was not about to let the moment pass.


    She whipped out her phone and captured two photos of Ste and Sanford, her smile oozing satisfaction.


    Ill show these to Matthew.


    While hes hard at work, his wife seems to be quite busy shopping with another man.