Sanford looked at Stes weary face and felt a pang of sympathy.


    Dont worry too much, he said gently.


    Eat something first.


    You wouldnt want your grandfather to wake up and find you unwell too.


    Ste nced at the Lunchbox on the table but couldnt bring herself to eat.


    I have no appetite, she murmured, pushing it aside.


    She handed the phone back to Sanford.


    Sanford epted the phone and then offered her a new one.


    The broken phone is in the repair store.


    Ill return it to youter.


    Use this one for now.


    Ste took the new phone and thanked him softly. Thank you, Sanford.


    He then handed her two small packages.


    These are the items you bought from the jewelry store.


    I brought them for you.


    Ste thanked him again and ced the jewelry aside without much thought .


    Her gaze shifted to Clint, still lying unconscious.


    She hesitated for a moment before asking, What about Betsey? Shes been taken to the police station, Sanford replied.


    Ste nodded, saying nothing more.


    A short while Later, Sanfords phone buzzed with a call from Den.


    He excused himself, citing an urgent matter, and left the room.


    By evening, Clint had yet to regain consciousness.


    Ste forced herself to eat a few bites of dinner, but nausea churned in her stomach.


    After only a few mouthfuls, she gave up. Looking outside, she realized Matthew hadnt contacted her all day.


    Was he really that busy with work? Holding the phone in her hand, she debated whether to call and inform him about Clints hospitalization.


    After a few moments of hesitation, she opted to send him a text instead.


    Meanwhile, Matthew was at Lindsays apartment.


    After Betsey was taken to the police station, Leona wasted no time contacting Lindsay.


    She urged Lindsay to convince Matthew to bail Betsey out.


    Betsey, sitting on the sofa, sobbed hysterically.


    I saw Ste and Sanford shopping together, she wailed.


    They looked so close, Like a couple! She was buying cufflinks for him.


    I went up to remind Ste, but she got angry and used me falsely.


    She even teamed up with Sanford to have me sent to the police station! Matthew remained silent, his expression cold and sullen.


    Betseys emotions spiraled as she continued, her voice growing Louder and more frantic.


    Leona quickly joined in, her tone sharp and using. Thats right, Matthew.


    You cant just stand by and do nothing.


    Stes behavior ispletely uneptable! Lindsay, however, feigned a calm, reasonable tone, attempting to y the voice of reason.


    Please dont say that.


    Ste and Sanford have known each other for a long time.


    In fact, Sanford was one of the students Stes father sponsored.


    He probably thinks of her like a sister.


    Isnt it normal for siblings to exchange gifts? Despite her attempt at diplomacy, the tension in Lindsays apartment was palpable.


    Lindsays exnation only seemed to darken Matthews expression further.


    Anger boiled beneath the surface as he clenched his fists.


    He knew the truth all too well.


    The way Sanford looked at Ste had nothing to do with sibling affection-it was the gaze of a man who desired a woman, in and simple.