A secondter, the door was thrown open as Matthew burst into the room.


    Matthew stepped inside and immediately spotted Ste lying on the floor.


    His heart raced as he rushed over to her, his voice trembling with urgency.


    Ste, Ste, wake up! he called anxiously.


    Stes eyes fluttered open.


    For a moment, she stared at Matthews face, her expression clouded with confusion.


    Was this reality, or just a dream? Matthew, however, had no time to address her unspoken questions.


    His concern was Singr and pressing.


    Ste, are you okay? Answer me quickly, he urged, his gaze scanning her for any sign of injury.


    As Ste fully regained consciousness, fragments of memory returned to her. She sat up abruptly, her voice filled with worry.


    Wheres my mom? How is she? It was only then that she noticed Be lying beside her.


    Panicked, she reached out to check on her, her hands trembling.


    Relief flooded her when she realized Be was unharmed.


    Matthew observed her closely and asked, Ste, what exactly happened? Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Ste recounted the events leading up to her attack.


    Once she finished, a frown crept onto her face, her mind racing with spection.


    She wondered aloud, Could Howard have been behind this? Was this some secret ploy to retaliate for Pam? But… She quickly dismissed this possibility.


    Be and Pam have no grievances between them.


    Theres no reason for him to target Be.


    It doesnt make sense.


    Frustrated and overwhelmed, Ste rubbed her temples as a dull ache began to set in. Matthews expression darkened with determination.


    We need answers, he said firmly,.


    Lets go talk to Howard and get to the bottom of this.


    Ste shook her head, her voice steady but resolute.


    I want to wait for my mom to wake up before we Leave.


    Matthew nodded in understanding.


    Alright.


    Ill have Fernando arrange for a doctor.


    Once we leave, well make sure both of you get a full medical checkup.


    Ste didnt respond with a clear yes or no. Instead, a thought seemed to cross her mind, and she looked up at Matthew with a questioning gaze.


    When you found us, was there anyone else in the room? Matthew shook his head.


    No, why do you ask? Ste frowned, her voice dropping to a murmur.


    Could it be that I was hallucinating? In another room, Kinsey slowly regained consciousness.


    As his vision cleared, he realized that only Sanford was present.


    A frown formed on his face as confusion set in.


    How did I faint? Sanfords expression remained calm, as if everything was perfectly under control.


    He moved to the side, poured a ss of water with measured precision, and handed it to Kinsey.


    After youpleted the hypnosis, you passed out.


    Most likely due to mental exhaustion, he exined in an even tone.