Determined to take control of the conversation, she asked, Why did you bring me here, Mr.


    Archer? Do you have any conflict of interest with Matthew? Howard remained unfazed by her apparent coldness.


    Calmly, he said, I dont have any interest in Matthew.


    You, on the other hand… Lets just say my feelings for you are different.


    Stes face darkened in anger, and she warningly said, Watch yourself, Mr.


    Archer! You misunderstand me.


    My feelings are not of the nature you assume them to be.


    I just admire your talent and courage.


    If you do decide to leave Matthew, I will do everything within my power to help you.


    Ste took a step toward the chair and said in a voice as hard as stone, ILL say it again.


    Release me, Mr. Archer.


    I dont need you meddling in my life.


    With that, she turned around and stormed out of the room, unwilling to waste her time on this strange man.


    In the study, Den stared at the partition across from him.


    Sanford stepped out slowly from behind it.


    Den fixed his gaze on Sanford and asked, Sanford, you heard everything, didnt you? Id advise you to move on from Ste while you still have the chance.


    Our focus should be on achieving what we came here for.


    Sanfords face remainedposed as he replied calmly, Youre overthinking this.


    My actions toward Ste are simply out of respect for Kori.


    Den scoffed coldly, the sound dripping with disbelief.


    A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes as he said, If we cant get the information I need from Ste, I wont hesitate to keep her confined here for the rest of her life. If I cant have what I want, no one else will either.


    Sanford remained silent, but his emotions surged like a raging storm beneath hisposed exterior.


    Den stood, adjusted his clothes with deliberate precision, and announced, The uing birthday banquet is yourst opportunity.


    If you fail to get what I need by then, Ill handle Ste myself.


    Without waiting for a response, Den strode out of the study, leaving Sanford standing there, his anger simmering as he watched the door close behind him.


    Moments Later, Sanfords phone buzzed.


    It was Lindsay.


    Annoyance flickered across his face as he hesitated, and then finally answered the call.


    On the other end, Lindsays voice was excited and hurried.


    Sanford! Stes gone-shes missing! This is your chance to make her disappear for good.


    Make sure she never finds her way back into Matthews life. You know as well as I do, once shes out of the picture, I can finally have Matthew all to myself… Lindsay rambled on, her words spilling out in a frantic stream, but when Sanford remained silent, her nerves began to fray.


    She paused, and then asked sharply, Sanford, are you backing out on me? If you dont help me, Ill make sure Ste finds out the truth about everything.


    If I cant have happiness, neither can she! In a matter of minutes, Sanford had endured threats from both Den and Lindsay, and his patience was at its breaking point.


    Anger red in his chest, and his jaw tightened as he gritted out, Dont worry.


    Ill keep my word.


    At Howards birthday banquet, just make sure Matthew is there.


    By then, your dream will be a reality.


    Relief flooded Lindsays voice as she eximed eagerly, Alright! Ill make it happen.


    I promise, Ill keep your secret safe..


    Sanford, unwilling to hear another word, cut the call abruptly.