Howardsposure faltered momentarily.


    Panic flickered across his face before he forced a strained smile.


    Youre joking, right? Ste has been staying at my castle these past few daystheres no one else involved.


    His voice betrayed his unease, but he pushed forward, desperate to convince.


    If you doubt me, youre wee to ask Ste yourself.


    Has she mentioned meeting anyone else recently? Sensing the tension in the room, Ste responded with measured calm.


    The past few days at the castle have been… a very different kind of experience.


    Its nothing like life in Seamarsh.


    Ste maintained herposure and chose her words carefully.


    She knew better than to reveal too much affection for Matthew, fearing it could make him a target.


    Matthew acknowledged her with a slight nod before turning his attention back to Howard.


    Thank you, Mr.


    Archer, for looking after Ste and Be these past few days.


    However, weve been away from Seamarsh for quite some time now, and my family has missed her dearly. We wont impose on your hospitality any longer.


    That said, let me wish you a happy birthday-weve brought you a gift.


    As his words lingered in the air, Fernando stepped forward, presenting a beautifully wrapped package with practiced grace.


    Matthew seized the moment, stepping closer to Ste and gently taking her arm.-With a nce, he motioned for Be to follow.


    He was ready to escort them out when a deep, authoritative voice rang out behind him.


    Matthew, Ste, are you really going to Leave without even sharing a drink with me? Do you intend to disrespect an old man like me? Themanding tone stopped them in their tracks.


    Ste instinctively turned her head, and the moment her eyesnded on the speaker, her expression froze.


    Her widened eyes and stunned face betrayed her disbelief.


    How could it possibly be him? Meanwhile, the secretarys reaction was immediate and telling.


    He rushed forward without hesitation, his demeanor shifting entirely.


    Offering his utmost respect, he stepped beside the man, supporting him with a reverence far greater than anything he had ever shown Howard.


    Stes gaze darted between the secretary and Den, a realization dawning on her.


    This manDen-was the secretarys true superior all along.


    And yet, confusion bubbled within her.


    Who exactly was Den? Why did his presence seem to overshadow Howards so effortlessly? With the secretarys assistance, Den slowly approached Ste, his steps deliberate and measured. A warm, grandfatherly smile lit up his face as he spoke, his tone gentle yetmanding.


    Ste, its been a while.


    Have you truly forgotten me? Then, with a touch of theatricality, he introduced himself.


    Im Den Charles.


    His demeanor was that of a benevolent elder addressing the younger generation, but Ste wasnt fooled.


    She knew better.


    There was no way this encounter was as innocent as it seemed.


    Though her mind swirled with unanswered questions, Ste forced herself to maintainposure.


    Offering a faint smile, she replied evenly, Sir, you do remind me of an old man I once helped.


    But that man was just an ordinary person-nothing like someone of your status.


    You must be confusing me with someone else.


    Even as she tried to detach herself from her past with Den, her thoughts betrayed her, shifting suddenly to Sanford.


    Did he know the truth about Dens identity? She wondered silently, her unease growing.


    It was as if Den could read her thoughts. His smile took on a knowing edge as he spoke again, his tone calm and deliberate.


    Ive only ever had one grandson, Ste.


    Thats one truth Ive never hidden from you.


    And my grandson… He paused intentionally, his gaze shifting toward Matthew, who had instinctively positioned himself protectively by Stes side.


    With a faint smile tinged with regret, Den added, Its such a shame, Ste.


    If things- hadnt gone so wrong back then, you might have be my granddaughter-in-Law.


    Ste frowned at Dens words, her displeasure evident in the furrow of her brow.


    Sir, please dont joke about things like this.


    Her gaze briefly flicked to Howard, who seemed to have all but disappeared into the background.


    It was bing increasingly clear to her that the real host of tonights birthday celebration was none other than Den.


    Den, however, remained unfazed and let out a soft chuckle.


    Its fine if you dont want to be my granddaughter-in-Law, Ste.


    Ive prepared a little gift for you.


    I think youll find it quite to your liking.