Matthews brow furrowed for a moment before he replied, No.


    Ste didnt hesitate to ask another question.


    And Lindsay? Did you expect her to be part of this? Natthew shook his head.


    I had no idea.


    Stes heart dropped as she listened to his answers.


    A wave of worry and fear washed over her, gripping her tightly.


    He hade here without any n, no backup at all.


    How could he possibly get out of this in one piece? On top of that, Dens calm, collected demeanor made it clear that he had thought this through, every step of the way.


    Ste didnt want to die, but the thought of Matthew risking his life to save hers felt even more unbearable.


    As the weight of her thoughts pressed on her, tears gathered in her eyes. Her throat tightened, a Lump of emotion she couldnt swallow.


    Her mind spun in circles, scrambling for a way to escape the mess they were in.


    But no matter how hard she tried, nothing came to her-no n, no answer.


    Matthew noticed her difort.


    With a gentle hand, he lifted her chin, meeting her gaze with a tenderness she rarely saw from him.


    Youve endured so much these past few days, he said quietly.


    I promise, I wont let anything happen to you or Be.


    He paused, and then slowly bent down to kiss her.


    His lips met hers with gentle certainty.


    For once, Ste didnt pull back, and there was no trace of shyness in her. She closed her eyes and kissed him back with equal intensity as if to say she wasnt afraid.


    If this truly was the end, Ste thought, all she wanted was to hold Matthew and kiss him like this, feeling his warmth onest time.


    Meanwhile, Sanford hurried to the banquet hall, having just heard that Den had arrived.


    The moment he entered, his eyes fell on Matthew and Ste, locked in a tight embrace, their lips meeting in a kiss full of longing.


    It felt like a dagger had pierced his chest, a sharp and sudden pain flooding through him.


    Just then, Dens cold voice cut through the silence.


    Sanford, take a look.


    This is the woman youve been protecting, even going so far as to plot against your own grandfather for her.


    Sanford snapped out of his trance, jolted by Dens words.


    He turned slowly, his voice softening, almost pleading. Grandpa, please, stop.


    The wealth and power of the Charles family in Lyllmann are more than enough to see you through the rest of your days.


    Why are you still chasing after something that isnt yours? Dens face darkened, fury overtaking him.


    His eyes narrowed, and he shouted sharply, Sanford, you have no right to lecture me! After this party, I want a full ount of everything youve been doing.


    He shot a cold re at his secretary and said, Take him away.


    But Sanford didnt budge.


    He stood firm, refusing to move an inch.


    A sneer twisted on Dens lips as he spoke.


    I havent told Ste who you are.


    Are you sure you want to stay here and risk it all? Sanfords jaw tightened, but he stood his ground, his voice unwavering.