A sneer tugged at the corner of Matthews mouth.


    Youre meeting Sanford, arent you? What does he want this time? Stes frustration finally boiled over.


    Whats the big deal? Are you telling me Im not allowed to see a friend? Every time you meet Lindsay, I dont say a word, she snapped, her frustration spilling over.


    Her irritation over the constant interference of the Wheelers surged, and she couldnt stop herself from referencing the past.


    Her thoughts were clear now-she was determined to uncover the truth, to break free from the Wheelers once and for all.


    I just want to get to the bottom of this mess so I can finally cut ties with the Wheelers.


    Is that so wrong? she demanded.


    Matthews brow furrowed deeply, his voice stern as he said, Dont drag others into this.


    Ill handle it. Ste, however, stood firm, her voice rising.


    Youre the one who brought everyone into this mess! If you and Lindsay hadnt gone to Sothrea and encountered danger, I never wouldve met Robin, and none of this would be happening! Without waiting for a response, she ignored the storm brewing in Matthews eyes, got into her car, and drove off, leaving him standing at the doorway.


    Matthew remained motionless, his eyes fixed on the taillights of her car as it disappeared down the road.


    A whirlwind of emotions raged inside him-confusion, anger, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness.


    Meanwhile, in her apartment, Lindsay mmed her phone down after speaking with Betsey.


    Their attempt to stir up trouble at the rk family residence had failed, and the realization set her fury aze.


    The anger within her simmered, growing more intense with each passing moment .


    She paced frically across the room, her mind a blur of vicious thoughts.


    Finally, her face twisted into a cold, calcting expression. If things go south, she muttered under her breath, her voiceced with malice, Ill just get rid of Ste for good.


    If Matthew gets his memory back, Ill lose everything anyway.


    Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity, a glint of madness flickering just beneath the surface.


    Ste and Sanford entered the restaurant, one closely following the other.


    When Sanford sat down, his eyes caught the red marks on Stes cheek.


    His expression darkened as he asked, Ste, what happened to your face? Did someone hurt you? Ste gave a subtle shake of her head, attempting to dismiss it.


    Its really nothing-just a minor ident, she replied, quickly steering the conversation elsewhere to avoid further discussion.


    Yet Sanford remained unconvinced, his demeanor hardening as determination took over.


    Ste, talk to me. Whats going on? he asked, his gaze fixed on her, leaving no room for escape.


    With a reluctant sigh, Ste finally admitted, Some members from the Wheeler family came by, and we argued.


    In themotion, I identally got hit.


    Once she finished exining, Ste wasted no time redirecting the discussion.


    So, whats this about Robin? she inquired, her curiosity aimed at uncovering the true purpose of their meeting.


    Sanford avoided her question, leaning forward instead.


    Ste, do you know much about Doreens family background? Confused, Ste frowned.


    Not really.


    Why are you bringing her up all of a sudden?