He knew he had wronged Ste after his memory loss, and with her current troubles, his guilt weighed heavily on him.


    Ste, ever the peacemaker, quickly intervened to soothe Lucia.


    Look, no one could have predicted this mess.


    Its not fair to me Matthew.


    It was purely idental.


    Yet, Lucias frustration simmered, fueled by what she saw as Stes excessive altruism, her habit of always cing others before herself.


    Determined, she turned to Matthew.


    Youve got to uncover the real perpetrator, Matthew.


    Clear Stes name before her reputation is dragged through the mud.


    Im on it, dont worry, Matthew replied, his tone resolute. The room buzzed with supportive friends and family, all trying to Lift Stes spirits, encouraging her to put the incident out of her mind and focus on her recovery.


    Eventually, after much persuasion from Ste, the room emptied.


    Just as Ste was about to dial Doreen, the door swung open and Doreen herself appeared.


    Stes face Lit up with relief.


    Doreen! Just the person I wanted to see.


    I mentioned you during my conversation with the police, and theyve followed up with you already.


    Doreen, visibly distressed, shared her disbelief.


    How did things escte so quickly? Who would n such a cruel scheme against you? Ste avoided the question, her toneced with concern.


    Listen, its best you keep out of this chaos for now.


    Keep an eye on the studio and if anythinges up, my mom or Alissa is just a call away. Dont worry, Ste.


    Ill take good care of the studio, Doreen assured her softly.


    With a hesitant tone, Doreen probed further.


    Ste, think about it.


    Is there anyone you might have upset? Ste paused, searching her memory.


    I cant think of anyone.


    I dont believe Ive upset anyone, she replied, shaking her head.


    Silence enveloped them as Ste delved into her memories, trying to pinpoint the time she noticed her pen missing.


    She retraced her steps, recalling each face she had encountered during that time.


    Slowly, an image of Lindsay emerged in her thoughts. Could she be involved? Meanwhile, Lindsay was stewing in her apartment, her mood sour.


    She slumped on her sofa, her features twisted in frustration.


    It was clear she had underestimated how deeply rooted Ste was in Matthews heart.


    Despite his amnesia, his affections for Ste lingered.


    This realization put Lindsay at a disadvantage, and she knew she had to sideline Ste somehow.


    Lost in her scheming, Lindsay wheeled herself out of her room and caught snippets of a conversation between two maids who had recently joined from the rk family residence.


    They spoke highly of Ste.


    A n began to form in Lindsays mind, and she beckoned one of the maids, Katelyn Aston.


    Katelyn followed Lindsay into her room with a mix of respect and apprehension.


    Working closely with Lindsay had taught her to be wary; her moods were as changeable as the weather.