Ste knew he was fibbing.


    At a high-profile event like this, staff would certainly be well-versed in their roles, especially those assigned to the backstage area, prepared to field any question from the guests.


    Choosing her battles wisely, she let it slide for the moment.


    No worries, the shows about to start anyway.


    Ill head out front to watch.


    And could you apologize to Mr.


    Archer for me? As Sté and Be turned to make their exit, the mans demeanor shifted abruptly.


    He lunged forward, his hand slicing through the air toward Stes neck with a menacing swoosh.


    Alert and poised, Ste dodged the swift attack with a nimble sidestep.


    Grasping the severity of their predicament, Ste seized Bes hand and they dashed back along the path they hade.


    Be, overwhelmed and realizing her slower pace, pleaded with Ste. You run ahead, Ste, and get Bet and Sanford to help.


    Ste tightened her grip, her resolve clear.


    No, I cant leave you here by yourself.


    We dont know what theyre up to, and I wont let you face this danger alone.


    Despite their efforts, the man was too quick, his training apparent.


    He closed in rapidly, his hand raised to strike again, targeting the napes of both their necks.


    A sudden darkness enveloped Ste and Be as they slipped into unconsciousness.


    With rming ease, the man hoisted both of them over his shoulders and ascended the stairs.


    Lindsay crouched low, hidden in the thick bushes, her heart racing as she watched everything unfold in front of her.


    She was still rattled, trying to process what shed stumbled upon.


    She and Pam had left together earlier, but somehow, theyd Lost each other along the way.


    Then shed heard a scream. Without thinking, she followed it, never imagining shed find Ste caught up in something so terrifying.


    Lindsays mind buzzed with questions.


    Could Howard, embarrassed and furious, have gone this far? Did he really send someone to kidnap Ste and teach her a Lesson? Fueled by curiosity, Lindsay knew she had to find out the truth.


    Inside a lounge, Sanford sat on the couch, his eyes following Kinsey, who was carefully setting up the tools hed need for the hypnosis.


    Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.


    A bodyguard opened it, and Sanfords expression shifted as he saw Ste and Be, unconscious and slumped in the staff members arms.


    Sanford jumped to his feet, his voice sharp.


    What did you do to them? The staff member, speaking respectfully, replied, Mr.


    Quimby, Ste was too smart for her own good.


    She sensed something wasnt right.


    I had to knock them out.


    Kinsey, not bothered by this, just waved it off. Its fine.


    Bring them over here quickly.


    Were running out of time.


    Just as Kinsey was about to begin the hypnosis, he felt a sudden blow to the back of his head.


    He didnt have time to react before everything went ck, and he copsed.


    In hisst moment of awareness, he caught sight of several men dressed in ck, leaping through the window.


    Within seconds, they took positions, ready for a standoff.


    Sanford nced at Kinseys limp body on the floor.


    Walking over to him, he knelt down and whispered, Take it easy.


    Everything is falling into ce.


    Sanfords men were trained for situations like this, ruthless and precise.