Sanfords absence puzzled her.


    Since they departed from the airport separately, he had plunged into a flurry of obligations, leaving Ste to wonder about his sudden busyness.


    Though she and Be had intended to show him around Dorburn, Sanford had politely refused, hismitments leaving no room for leisure.


    Respecting his circumstances, Ste let the matter rest.


    Meanwhile, Sanford found himself in a grim standoff in an apartment across town.


    He faced Kinsey Marshall, a hypnotist sent by Den with a chilling agenda.


    The n was stark-use hypnosis on Ste and Be to extract the location of the hidden treasure map.


    The method was invasive and fraught with danger, risking harm to both women.


    Sanford was adamant in his refusal.


    This is madness. We cant risk hurting them-its too dangerous.


    Kinsey was unmoved.


    Dens not looking for your consent.


    Hes given a directive.


    Theres a setup on the second floor of the fashion events venue; your job is to get them there.


    If things go south, Ste and Be might never see Seamarsh again.


    After dropping his bombshell, Kinsey exited swiftly, leaving a tense silence in his wake.


    The door clicked shut, and Sanfords frustration erupted.


    With a swift motion, he sent a cup flying across the room, its crash echoing his mounting rage.


    As dusk fell, the night sky unfurled like a vast sheet of ck velvet, nketing the city in darkness. Streetlights flickered to life, casting a sparkling glow that transformed the urbanndscape into a shimmering tableau.


    At precisely eight oclock, a sleek Lincoln eased to a stop in front of the exhibition hall.


    The doors swung open, and Ste, Be, and Sanford emerged, their presence lending elegance to the evening as they made their way toward the red carpet, ready to immerse themselves in a world where fashion and art collided spectacrly.


    Just then, the quiet hum of an engine announced the arrival of a luxurious Rolls-Royce, which gracefully parked alongside them.


    Ste looked up, her expression shifting to one of surprise as Bet stepped out of the car.


    As he drew near, Ste couldnt hide her curiosity.


    Why are you here? Bet, his smile tinged with warmth, responded, I just wrapped up some work.


    I wasnt around when you were in trouble, and Ive been concerned about you.


    So, I thought Ide and see how youre doing.


    Unbeknownst to them, it was actually Matthew who had insisted Bet attend, concerned about the ties between the fashion event and the Charles family and anxious for Stes safety. Sanford, caught off guard by Bets unexpected arrival, masked his surprise with the practiced ease of a seasoned businessman.


    He exchanged a yful remark with Bet.


    Keeping secrets now, are we? Youve really got us all on our toes.


    With pleasantries exchanged, they readied themselves to step inside the grandeur of the invitation-only event.


    Ste, Be, and Sanford each had their coveted invitations in hand, while Bet, having decided to attendst-minute, was without one.


    Ste was the first to extend her invitation toward an attendant.


    In a surprising twist, a hand suddenly reached out and snatched it away.


    Before everyones eyes, a woman mercilessly ripped the invitation into pieces, which drifted down like falling snow andnded all over Ste.


    The attendant, caught off guard at first, soon recognized the woman and respectfully called out, Miss Pam Archer.