Ste reassured him with a smile.


    Its all fine; weve settled into our seats now.


    With a nod of understanding, Howard excused himself and moved away.


    Sanford suddenly stood up from his seat.


    I see an old friend.


    Ill just go over and say hello.


    With that, he strode off.


    Be watched Sanfords departure, and then turned to Ste with a curious look.


    How does Lindsay know Pam? Ste thought for a moment.


    They probably met during their time studying abroad.


    The rks picked the finest schools for Lindsay, but she seems to squander her opportunities to make meaningful connections. Ste, it would be best for you to avoid any contact with Lindsay in the future, Be said sternly.


    Ill have Whitney look into reputable brain specialists in Dorburn.


    If we can help Matthew regain his memory quickly, we can resolve the situation with Lindsay just as fast.


    Stes mind raced with images of Matthew as Be spoke, her thoughts spiraling.


    Could it be that Lindsay hade to Dorburn without Matthews knowledge? Was her entire visit simply to leverage Pam to irritate her? How could someone as honorable as Lucia have an adopted granddaughter Like Lindsay? Bet muttered, sharing Bes concerns.


    A sudden thought seemed to strike him, and he turned to Be.


    Does Howard respect Ste because of you? he asked.


    I dont have that much influence, Be responded quickly.


    Thats odd.


    Is Howard actually humble then? Bet pondered aloud, appearing confused.


    As the trio conversed, Pam and Lindsay entered the room. Pam strode directly to Ste and sat beside her with a dismissive snort.


    Seeing Pams cold manner, Ste smiled subtly.


    Have you managed to piece my invitation back together yet? she asked.


    Pams expression darkened.


    Anger boiled within her, but she remembered her fathers warning and swallowed her pride.


    Here.


    She pped the crudely repaired invitation onto Stesp.


    This is rather shoddy work, Ste remarked, examining the invitation.


    With that, she ripped it again and tossed the pieces back to Pam.


    Thank you, she said.


    Youve just confirmed my status in front of Howard. I dont need this invitation to affirm my identity anymore.


    Pam, stood abruptly, anger shing in her eyes, ready to confront Ste.


    Yet Ste remainedposed.


    Your father holds me in high regard.


    I wouldnt test me if I were you, she said firmly.


    Im not sure why Howard is so courteous, but I certainly know how to leverage the authority Im given.


    Pam deted at Stes calm assertion and reluctantly sat down again.


    Lindsay witnessed the exchange and couldnt help but warn Ste.


    Remember, this is Dorburn, not Seamarsh, she whispered.


    You might want to show some restraint to avoidplicating things for Matthew.


    What concern is it of yours? Even if Matthew were here, do you think hed fail to discern right from wrong? Stes reply was swift and sharp.