He looked torn, his expression conflicted.


    Finally, after a long pause, he couldnt suppress the question any Longer.


    Ste, he asked cautiously, do you… still have any contact with Sanford? Bets voice carried a trace of resignation as he shared, Sanford and I kicked off thispany together, and now hes handed all his shares over to me.


    Ive been trying to get him on the phone, but hes dodging my calls.


    Stes heart sank a little as she listened, piecing together that Sanford was probably cutting ties for good.


    She met Bets troubled gaze and offered some sce.


    Just roll with it.


    Sanfords got his reasons.


    He wouldnt hand over those shares without some serious thought behind it.


    Acknowledging her words with a slow nod, Bet felt the sting of regret about how things had panned out with Sanford, a man ofplexyers and unpredictable moves. In the silence that followed, Ste remained still, lost in thought.


    Bet broke the quiet, his voice soft but firm.


    Why dont you check on Matthew? And hey, take a moment for yourself too.


    Remember, Im just a call away if you need anything.


    With a soft hum of agreement, Ste turned and walked back to the room.


    She perched on the edge of the bed, her mind buzzing with a tornado of thoughts.


    Out of nowhere, a faint cough yanked her from her muddle of worries.


    She looked up, startled, to find Matthews eyes fluttering open.


    His gaze was weak but aware.


    A wave of relief and joy washed over Ste, and she didnt hesitate for a second before she bolted out of the room to fetch Cordell.


    In no time, Cordell and Bradly were at Matthews side, meticulously checking his vitals. Waldo and Lucia joined, hovering close, wringing their hands as they waited.


    Once it was clear Matthew was stable, Cordell, driven by a professional instinct, turned to Matthew and gently asked, Matthew, can you remember what happened right before you cked out? Matthew didnt respond to the question but instead said, Cordell, could everyone please step outside? I need a moment alone with Ste.


    One by one, the room emptied, leaving Ste to inch closer to Matthew, her voice steady yet Laden with concern.


    What is it that you needed to tell me? Looking at her with eyes full of remorse, Matthew confessed, Ste, I owe you an apology.


    I remember everything now, everything that happened before… At his words, warmth flickered in Stes eyes, her voice quivering ever so slightly as she urged, What do you remember? Matthews gaze remained apologetic.


    I need to apologize.


    I know its selfish of me to put all the me on my amnesia.


    But most of the things I did during that time… I didnt mean any of it; it wasnt really me.


    Ste, can I have a chance to make things right? Before he could finish, Ste closed the distance in a rush, mindful of his injuries, and enveloped him in a tight embrace.


    Through her tears, she murmured, None of that matters now, just that youre awake.


    I was so scared… scared that I might lose you forever. Her words tumbled out, a mess of fear and joy knotted together.


    Feeling her tremble, Matthew wrapped his arms around her, his voice soothing.


    Im here, and Im not going anywhere.


    Dont be scared.


    But Ste pulled back, her expression turning to one of usation.


    At that party, you thought only of rescuing me and my mom, never about your own escape! How could you be so reckless? Didnt you consider… Her words halted as a wave of dizziness overcame her, and she copsed.


    Outside, Matthews rmed shout drew Cordell back into the room in an instant.


    He found Matthew struggling to support Ste, his own wound reopening from the effort.


    Cordells heart raced as panic set in, only broken by Matthews urgent voice.


    Cordell, hurry! Ste just fainted.