Sanford was caught off guard, utterly unprepared for Dens directness about his emotions.


    However, though caught off guard, he masked his emotions and replied, Im only concerned this could derail my ns.


    He tried to dismiss the usation, but Dens skeptical expression showed he wasnt convinced.


    Den leaned back and said, Since you arrived in Seamarsh, all Ive seen is you prioritizing Ste over the mission.


    His words carried a hint of reproach.


    Sanford remained quiet, suppressing his thoughts, determined not to let Den discern his feelings.


    Den continued, With Ste in this condition, you should use this opportunity to your advantage.


    Stop wasting time questioning me.


    The process doesnt matter-only the oue.


    From this exchange, Sanford concluded that Den had no hand in Stes predicament.


    Yet, he also recognized that his impatience had betrayed more than he intended. 1 Frustration simmered within him.


    He knew he needed to be more guarded especially with someone as shrewd as Den.


    As Sanford wrestled with his thoughts, Den stood, ced a firm hand on his shoulder, and remarked coldly, Sanford, remember your objective.


    Ste is only alive because shes useful.


    Anyone without value wont stay that way for Long.


    His voice was chillingly final.


    Sanford felt a jolt of shock at the harshness of Dens words.


    As Den began to leave, Sanford called after him.


    Does the map even exist? I studied under Stes father for years and never saw him meet anyone significant.


    He died when Ste was still a child-how could she know anything? Maybe weve been chasing shadows all along.


    Dens temper red. Snatching a te from the table, he hurled it at Sanford.


    Sanford didnt dodge, and the te hit his chest.


    If you fail to uncover anything, dont think I wont deal with Ste myself! Den snapped, his voice icy.


    His re was as sharp as a de.


    Sanford left the tense meeting, his face dark with thought.


    Walking to his car, he tried to unravel the mystery of who had targeted Ste.


    The more he considered it, the more tangled the situation seemed.


    Settling into the drivers seat, he leaned back, eyes narrowing in concentration.


    After some deliberation, he decided to enlist Dexters help.


    Dialing Dexters number, Sanford spoke with firm resolve.


    Dexter, somethings happened to Ste. I need you to dig into it immediately.


    After ending the call, Sanford was visibly torn.


    His thoughts swirled, intensifying into a throbbing headache.


    The sting in his chest seemed trivial as his concern for Ste took center stage.


    The incident had sent shockwaves through Stes circles.


    Kyra, Byron, Waldo, Lucia, Be, and Alissa hurried over, their faces etched with worry.


    Seeing their profound concern, Ste was touched yet felt a pang of guilt.


    Lucia, spotting Matthew, wasted no time.


    Matthew, youve be a stranger since your memory loss.


    Stes trouble partly lies on your shoulders.


    Matthew remained silent, absorbing Lucias sharp words without a word.