Realizing that Ste was serious, Matthew acknowledged that he could no longer avoid the topic.
He sighed softly and proceeded to detail everything about the Robin situation, covering their suspicions and the ongoing investigation.
After hearing him out, Ste furrowed her brows, lost in thought for a moment before responding, Katelyn didnt stand out in my memory.
She was merely Lindsays maid, and thats about all I recall.
A look of confusion crossed her face as she tried to piece together her memories of Katelyn, searching for any link to the current mystery.
Her confusion grew as she pondered aloud, saying, I dont remember ever having issues with Katelyn.
What could drive her to fabricate such aplex scheme against me? Everything, from Robins sudden appearance to the car ident, unfolded so unexpectedly.
How could Katelyn have crafted such a detailed scheme? Furthermore, what could possibly have persuaded Robin to visit that car dealership? While reflecting on the situation, Ste grew increasingly convinced that something wasnt right.
The idea that Katelyn had been wrongly used nagged at her.
With that thought, she raised her eyes to meet Matthews directly.
She asked clearly, Matthew, did you pin the me on Katelyn to clear my name? Was all this orchestrated by you? Upon voicing her suspicion, Stes feelings surged. She said emphatically, I dont want this.
Katelyn is innocent and shouldnt have to endure such unfair treatment on my ount! Matthew saw how upset she was and responded by touching her shoulder soothingly, trying to reassure her.
Ste, calm down.
I promise you, I had no hand in this.
After all this time, you must know what kind of person I am.
How could you think Id do such a thing? Stes temper cooled somewhat with Matthews words.
She inhaled deeply, and then asked, But doesnt this whole situation seem odd? How can the police so quickly assume it was Katelyn at fault? Matthew saw the concern on Stes face and felt a twinge of empathy.
He didnt want her fretting over these usations, so he said, Ste, trust the police investigation.
They must have valid reasons.
Try not to dwell on it.
Since its been settled, we should look ahead.
Ste found Matthews reply unsatisfactory. His demeanor seemed increasingly peculiar.
Was he possibly shielding someone? Was that why he was discouraging her from probing further? These thoughts only deepened Stes unease.
Disinclined to continue their conversation, she rose from her seat, ready to depart.
Matthew quickly reached out to grab Stes hand, his tone filled with concern as he asked, Ste, where are you going? Yesterday, you said you were too busy with work and stayed at a hotel.
But today, Doreen mentioned that you took a few days off.
Are you keeping something from me? Ste felt a wave of unease under Matthews scrutinizing gaze.
She pulled her hand away sharply and retorted, Where I go is none of your business.
I simply dont want to see you.
As the head of the studio, dont I even have the right to take a leave? Her voice rose slightly, as though masking her inner turmoil with a stern exterior.
Seeing her anger, Matthew hurriedly rified, Ste, thats not what I meant.
Im just worried about you.
But Ste, determined to keep him from discovering her secret, cut him off. Do you even realize what Ive been throughtely? Its been one thing after another-Impletely drained, both physically and mentally.
I just need some proper rest.
Cant you give me some space? Matthew stared at her fiery expression, and a pang of sadness struck him.
For the first time, he began to understand how Ste must have felt when he had acted unreasonably after losing his memory.
He paused for a moment, and then softened his voice.
Ste, I get it -you need space.
But you shoulde back to Prosper Bay tonight.
Its not safe to stay out.
If my presence there makes you ufortable, I can stay somewhere else for a few days.
His tone was quiet, tinged with resignation, and his eyes reflected a hint ofpromise.
Matthews repeated concessions left Ste feeling slightly uneasy about continuing her outburst.