He rested a hand on Ste’s shoulder, asking, “Are you feeling jittery?”


    Ste took a deep breath, straightening up.


    “No! I’m all in.


    I want to learn from Be, no matter what it takes!”


    Matthew grinned affectionately.


    “Easy now.


    Just give it your best shot.


    ”


    Meanwhile, Haley stood outside, eavesdropping with a frown.


    Cold sweat trickled down Haley’s forehead.


    She balled her hands into fists, noticing her palms were slick with sweat.


    The thought that Ste might return to Be’s side filled her with dread, risking the exposure of her and Kristian’s scheme.


    Matthew’s earlier caution echoed in her mind, heightening her fear.


    Her thoughts jumbled, she struggled to decide on her next move.


    Then, it hit her.


    She needed to reach out to Kristian immediately.


    Without another moment’s dy, Haley hurried off.


    At breakfast, Ste observed Haley’s subdued demeanor andck of appetite, prompting her to ask with genuine concern, “Are you feeling alright? Is there something wrong with the food?”


    Haley quickly shook her head, caught off guard by Ste’s voice.


    “I’m fine, really.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    I think I might have caught a coldst night.


    Please, go ahead and eat.


    I just need to use the restroom.


    ”


    With that, she excused herself, made her way to the bathroom, and locked herself in.


    Once alone, she pulled out her phone and texted Kristian, “Ste is getting involved in Be’spetition and might meet with Be soon.


    What should we do?”


    After sending the message, Haley anxiously clutched her phone, waiting for a reply.


    Kristian quickly replied, “Find a way to dy her.


    Make sure Ste doesn’t get in touch with Be.


    All you need to do is wait until Ste and Matthew’s wedding.


    Then, everyone will recognize you as Ste’s mother, and we’ll be able to wrap up our n.


    ”


    Haley read Kristian’s message twice, her brow furrowed.


    She bit her lip, put her phone down, and turned on the faucet.


    Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she started to concoct a n.


    In the apartment, Flossie stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.


    Outside, a bird chirped on a branch.


    Flossie was deep in thought when a phone call snapped her back to the present.


    It was her friend, Aline, calling.


    She picked up.


    “Aline, what’s up?”