Her tone softened a fraction.


    Its fine.


    In a few days, Ill be apanying my mom back to Dorburn to finalize the dyed property transfer.


    I also n to attend an international exhibition there for some insights.


    Matthew immediately responded, Then Ill go with you.


    Ste shot him down without hesitation, her gaze steady as she asked, If youe with me and something unexpected happens to Lindsay, wouldnt you have to fly back overnight to take care of her? Matthew was left speechless by Stes question.


    He couldnt deny the truth-leaving Seamarsh wasnt an option, not while Lindsay still needed his care.


    # Seeing him fall silent, Ste felt a lump form in her throat.


    She met his gaze, her voice soft yet resolute.


    Now, can you let me go? Reluctantly, Matthew loosened his grip and watched as Ste turned and walked away, her retreating figure tugging at his heart. Outside the café, Ste spotted Mileys car parked by the roadside.


    Without hesitation, she opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.


    Miley took one look at Stes pale face and felt a surge of anger.


    Did Matthew upset you again? Ste noticed Mileys fiery expression, as though she was ready to march into the café and confront Matthew herself.


    She quickly ced a calming hand on Mileys shoulder.


    Miley, dont be impulsive.


    Im just feeling a little unwell-its nothing serious.


    Lets go.


    With a reluctant nod, Miley started the car.


    During the drive, she kept stealing concerned nces at Ste, rxing only when she noticed some color returning to her friends cheeks. Finally, after a brief silence, Miley spoke cautiously.


    Ste, what did you and Matthew talk about in there? Ste let out a soft sigh, her tone heavy with unease.


    Without holding anything back, she recounted her conversation with Matthew in vivid detail.


    I cant shake off how bizarre this whole situation feels, she admitted, her brows furrowed in thought.


    Katelyn was just an ordinary maid.


    I cant believe shed have the audacity to hire someone to kill Robin and then choose tomit suicide.


    It all sounds so imusible.


    Miley nodded in agreement, Stes reasoning striking a chord.


    You might be right, she said thoughtfully.


    Its possible Katelyn was just a scapegoatmanipted by someone else and forced into the role of executioner by sheer misfortune. Her voice softened as she added, almost to herself, And then theres the fact that both these deaths are somehow tied to Lindsay.


    Honestly, is that woman cursed or something? Why does everyone close to her seem to meet a terrible end? Thankfully, you distanced yourself from her when you did.


    Otherwise… She shuddered.


    It couldve been disastrous for you too.


    Mileys words struck a nerve, sparking a sudden memory in Stes mind.


    She froze for a moment as the thought crystallized.


    The day Katelyn had found the pen… Lindsay had been there too.


    As this thought crossed her mind, Ste was startled by her own inference.


    She murmured softly to herself, Could someone really disregard blood ties? Though her voice was barely above a whisper, it carried clearly in the stillness of the car.


    But Miley was distracted and didnt catch Stes words.


    She asked curiously, Ste, what did you just say?