Grandpa, Im asking you to stop.


    Dont make things worse than they already are.


    Dens fury red at Sanfords defiance.


    Without warning, his hand shot up and pped Sanford across the face with force.


    The loud music from the dance floor swallowed the sound of the p, leaving the chaos unnoticed.


    The guests around them were lost in the rhythm of the music, oblivious to the scene unfolding nearby.


    Ste pressed herself tightly against Matthew, feeling the steady beat of his heart.


    Her voice shook with fear.


    If something happens to us..


    what will your>grandparents do? A look of regret crossed her face as she spoke again, her words heavy with sorrow.


    If I had known it woulde to this, I wouldve agreed to divorce you back then.


    Maybe none of this would be happening now. As the music yed its final notes, Stes anxiety tightened in her chest.


    She had no idea what awaited them once the dance was over.


    Matthew gently patted Stes back.


    Youre not going to die, he said, his voice a soothing blend of softness and resolve as he reassured her.


    From the moment I walked in here, I was ready for anything.


    Ill make sure you leave here safely.


    But I dont know if Ill make it out alive.


    Ste lifted her head and met Matthews gaze.


    Do you have a n? she asked, her voice tinged with hope and fear.


    You always think things through before making a move.


    Can you share the n with me? Maybe I can help.


    Dont worry about it.


    Matthew shook his head slightly, his expression unreadable. Once you leave here, just make sure to take care of yourself.


    Eat well and sleep well.


    No, were Leaving together.


    Stes response was firm.


    Theres something important I need to tell you when we leave here.


    She thought about the news of her pregnancy, nning to share it with Matthew once they were out of immediate danger.


    Alright, you can tell me when were out of here.


    Matthew grasped Stes hand firmly, his voice gentle yet decisive.


    As thest strains of music faded, Ste nced toward where Den had been earlier.


    To her surprise, she noticed Sanford standing there as well.


    Before she couldment, a piercing scream shattered the tranquility.


    Stes heart raced, and she turned to see what had happened, but Matthew quickly enveloped her in his arms.


    He covered her eyes with his hand and guided her back. Dont look, he whispered urgently.


    The dull thud that followed wrenched at Stes heart.


    The banquet hall erupted into chaos, and soon enough, the air was filled with screams and the sound of scrambling feet.


    Themotion created a disorienting cacophony.


    However, since the Charles family and Howard were also-present, the guests didnt dare to lose control despite being terrified.


    Ste.


    tried to catch snippets of conversation through the noise but found it impossible to discern anything clearly.


    What happened? she asked anxiously, turning to Matthew.


    Lindsay is dead, Matthew responded slowly, his face a mask of grim resolve.


    His eyes were fixed on Den, who stood not far away, his expression stoically detached.


    Sanford, by contrast, appeared utterly stunned.


    Did Lindsay jump to her death? Ste tugged at Matthews hand, her voice tinged with disbelief.