Emotion flickered in Devyn’s eyes, yet she held back, remembering Elizabeth’s warning.
“Your offer’s kind, but one time is all you can manage.
How could you possibly assist every time?”
Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
Ste caught the edge in Devyn’s voice and sensed her misstep.
With an uneasy smile, she amended, “Understood.
If design troubles ever crop up, just give me a shout.
I’m here to lend a hand whenever you need it.
”
A nod from Devyn, and her features rxed.
“Alright, let’s get to it.
” Ste steered away from the tension.
Both dove into the sea of sketches and concepts sprawled before them.
As they worked, Devyn stole nces at Ste, her curiosity piqued.
Feigning nonchnce, Devyn asked, “You’re covering for Be’s assignments too, right?”
A frank nod from Ste.
“Yeah, that’s right.
”
She eyed her bandaged hand.
“I’ve got to stick to simple designs for now, then pass them to Matthew for the finishing touches.
”
“Mr.
rk has been a real ally to you,” Devyn remarked.
Ste gave a heavy nod, her gaze drifting to Devyn’s screen.
“How’s your project shaping up?”
Devyn shed a quick smile.
“I’m nearly there.
”
“Wow, you’re speedy!” Ste was impressed.
“That’s about the only thing I’ve got on you.
I’d be outpaced in any contest,” Devyn said, dismissing thepliment.
The light in Devyn’s eyes dimmed at her own words.
Ste remained silent, catching the shift in mood.
There was a sense of heaviness, unspoken but felt.
Ste knew Devyn as a burst of confidence and zeal, but now there was a hint of retreat in her.
Ste’s heart went out to her.
She knew the past days had taken their toll on Devyn, but it wasn’t her ce to pry into private sorrows unshared.
So, Ste gave Devyn a thoughtful look, then turned her gaze away.
Silence hung between them until a knock at the door broke it.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.
Erin entered with a warm offering.
“Mrs.
rk, Mr.
rk asked me to bring you these,” she said, presenting two steaming cups of milk.
“Thanks so much, Erin.
” Gratitude filled Ste’s voice.