Howard sensed Stes understanding nature, and his demeanor eased slightly.


    With a warm smile, he gestured for her toe inside.


    Its quite chilly out here; we wouldnt want you catching a cold.


    Pam should be able to piece the invitation back together and get it to you soon.


    Ste felt Bes hand growing colder and knew it was time to head inside.


    Lingering in the biting wind just didnt make sense anymore.


    Howard gestured politely for Ste and the others to enter the venue, and then quickly turned to the nearby attendant with a firm instruction.


    Keep a close watch on Pam.


    Ensure she meticulously reassembles that torn invitation.


    We cant afford any slip-ups. Pam found herself alone, as no one dared to step forward to assist.


    Lindsay hovered in the background, her nerves too frayed to either speak up or move closer.


    As Sanford made to enter the venue, Lindsays nose twitched at a whiff of something familiar.


    She scrunched her brows, trying hard to ce the scent, but it slipped through her memory like sand through fingers.


    Nearby, Fernando remained in the luxury car, eyes on the drama unfolding before him.


    Confused, he took a few nces at Matthew through the rearview mirror.


    Fernando mused over Matthews hesitation at the doorway-torn perhaps between helping Ste or Lindsay.


    Meanwhile, Matthew, Lost in his own observations, focused on Howard.


    He had picked up on a subtle change in Howard after a brief exchange with Sanford.


    This raised a question: Sanford was merely a design director; could he have the clout to influence someone as powerful as Howard? Noticing his bosss prolonged silence, Fernando couldnt help but ask, Mr. rk, when do we head inside? Matthew seemed not to hear him.


    His attention shifted as his phone buzzed.


    A message from Neville popped up, revealing that the shooter in Sothrea was caught- and in custody, with the Charles family implicated in the scheme.


    A shadow crossed Matthews face as he absorbed the news.


    He wasted no time, dialing Nevilles number with a sense of urgency.


    Inside the venue, Ste gripped Bes hand and took the lead, with Sanford and Bet trailing behind them.


    Bet, still scratching his head over the earlier drama, leaned in to whisper to Sanford, Do you know Howard Archer? Why does he seem so deferential toward Ste? Sanford gave a slight shake of his head.


    Never met him before.


    It might have something to do with Be.


    epting the exnation, Bet nodded and let the topic slide. Howard followed a few steps behind Ste, his polite demeanor a mask for his genuine respect toward Sanford.


    He approached Ste with a courteous smile.


    To make up for earlier, weve arranged VIP seats for you.


    Theres also a lounge reserved for you upstairs.


    Ste appreciated the gesture but declined gracefully.


    No thanks, Mr.


    Archer.


    Were quite content with our original seats.


    Upon hearing her refusal, Howard repeated his apologies.


    I really am sorry for any trouble caused.