Ste acknowledged him with a simple nod, her expression unreadable.


    Matthew reached out for her hand, intending to lead her inside together.


    However, Ste skillfully dodged his touch, maintaining a distance.


    Fixing her with a probing look, he challenged her.


    Would you prefer Clint to witness our squabble? Ste appeared momentarily adrift in her thoughts, her focus wavering.


    Seizing the moment, Matthew gently guided her through the doorway.


    Inside, Clint greeted them, his smile wide and weing.


    Matthew joined Clint at the table, enveloped by the inviting aroma of breakfast.


    Feeling somewhat obligated, Ste hesitantly settled into the chair beside them.


    Clint could feel the underlying tension, and as breakfast wrapped up and Matthew geared up to depart, Clint turned to Ste with a casual dismissal.


    Ste, go to work. You dont need to stick around for me.


    It was just a minor fall, nothing to worry about.


    Matthew nced at Ste, his eyes filled with a silent plea for agreement.


    Ste looked at Clint, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    Grandpa, Ive arranged for Doreen to bring my work to the hospital.


    Ill stay with you for a thorough check-up Later.


    The doctor said theres a chance you hit your head, and thats not something we can ignore.


    Clint made another attempt to convince Ste, reluctant to let her put off her work on his ount.


    Ste, I assure you, Im perfectly fine.


    Dont sacrifice your day over this.


    Our butler is more than capable of attending to my needs. Unmoved, Stes resolve did not waver as she turned to address Matthew, her words sharp and calm.


    You havemitments too-Lindsay is expecting you for her rehabilitation session.


    Its crucial youre notte.


    Her tone carried a hint of coldness, as though she were intentionally putting space between herself and Matthew.


    Matthew felt a wave of resignation; arguing was useless in the current setting.


    Heplied with a resigned nod.


    Understood, Ill take care of it.


    Expect me back here after my day ends.


    With a final look, he exited.


    Ste watched his retreating figure, her face a mask of stoic calm, the silence around her stretching long after he had gone.


    When Matthew closed the door behind him with a click, Clint nced at Ste, who was clearing the table. He raised an eyebrow and asked, Ste, is everything okay between you and Matthew? He brought breakfast early today-seems like hes trying to make amends, doesnt it? Ste kept her focus on stacking the dishes, her tone dismissive as she answered, Oh, bringing breakfast? Thats hardly a grand gesture.


    He could have just as easily asked someone else to do it.


    Despite Clints attempts to smooth things over, Ste remained indifferent.


    Her concernsy elsewhere, not with her tension with Matthew but with Clints health, which was a constant weight on her mind.


    She put aside her worries temporarily when Doreen showed up.


    Ste urged Clint to get some rest, and then apanied Doreen to the Lounge in the VIP ward.


    Doreen had brought a stack of urgent documents with her.


    Upon seeing Ste, she extended them, saying, Ste, these need your immediate attention.


    Ste took the documents, but her thoughts quickly shifted as she inquired, And how are you, Doreen? Is your foot feeling any better? Doreens expression softened, touched by the concern.


    Much better, thank you, she replied gratefully.