She instructed Fernando, Stay with him then.


    Call me the second he wakes up.


    Back at her hotel, a weary Ste had barely started to unwind when a knock at the door jolted her.


    It was Be, face etched with concern.


    Ste, its Howards men, she said breathlessly.


    Be had spotted a fleet of cars emzoned with the Archer family crest downstairs when she was shutting the window.


    rmed, she didnt waste a second: in alerting Ste.


    The unexpected visit caught Ste off guard.


    Quickly regaining herposure, she asked, Have they made it up here yet? Be shook her head, her voice tinged with worry.


    No sign of them yet. Maybe we should duck out to Whitneys ce or head back to the hospital.


    When Matthews up, we can jet back to Seamarsh.


    Its tricky here in Dorburn; the Archer family runs the show.


    Ste mulled it over, and then made a decision.


    Whitneys been solid for us, but Lets not pull her in unless were really up against the wall.


    I1L take a quick look downstairs.


    We cant keep ying hide and seek; we need a solid n.


    Concern etched on her face, Be was quick to offer support.


    Iming with you.


    No way youre doing this solo.


    The two made their way to the hotel Lobby and ran into the very secretary who had spotted them earlier at the hospital. As Ste approached the entrance, the secretarys greeting was polite yet persistent, his smile unwavering as he extended yet another invitation.


    Maam, my boss is still hopeful youll design for him.


    Wed be truly honored.


    Ste, standing her ground with a steady gaze, countered, What happens if I decline? She had a gnawing feeling that Howard was up to no good, though the full scope of his ns eluded her.


    Her mind briefly wandered to the enigmatic Charles family, a name she had only heard in whispers.


    She couldnt shake the feeling that they were somehow linked to her current troubles.


    Adding to her unease was the memory of being mysteriously knocked out at thest fashion event, with no leads on who had followed her to Dorburn or why.


    The secretary kept his cool, his smile fixed as he replied smoothly, Should you choose to decline, I find myself with no choice but to remain here and wait for you to see things differently.


    Stes features tightened as she shot back, almost incredulously, Is that a threat? The secretary quickly waved his hands and exined, Maam, youve misunderstood.


    Thats not what I meant at all. Mr.


    Archer genuinely appreciates your design and would like to discuss it with you in person.


    Realizing that continuing the standoff would lead nowhere, Ste finally decided to meet Howard.


    Meanwhile, in the distance, Sanford had just arrived at the hotel.


    He noticed a crowd gathering near the entrance, with numerous cars parked outside.


    A faint frown crossed his face as an uneasy feeling began to creep over him.


    Hurriedly, he made his way back to his room and immediately pulled out his phone to call Den.


    However, the call didnt go through, deepening his sense of unease.


    Sanford hesitated to call Ste for rification.


    He worried that acting too rashly might raise her suspicions.