It all seemed so unfair to Elizabeth.


    She silently vowed to tarnish Ste’s reputation and win over Matthew.


    She refused to let Ste revel in her good fortune.


    Elizabeth returned to her table, her thoughts still consumed by what she had heard, her expression somber.


    Be and Andrew chatted amiably, but Be couldn’t help but notice Elizabeth’s change in demeanor after her brief absence.


    Confused, she asked, “What’s the problem? You seem off.


    ”


    Lost in her thoughts, Elizabeth didn’t initially catch Be’s question.


    It took Andrew’s gentle prompt to bring her back to reality, her confusion apparent.


    Be persisted.


    “What’s wrong? You seem distracted.


    ”


    Elizabeth shook her head, taking a moment to gather her thoughts.


    Seizing the opportunity, she turned to Be.


    “Mom, can I help with your project alongside Ste? I want to lend a hand.


    ”


    She couldn’t afford to dy any longer.


    Be and Ste were growing closer by the day.


    Be furrowed her brow, puzzled.


    “But you’re not into design, are you?”


    Sensing Be’s suspicion, Elizabeth smiled reassuringly.


    “No, not really.


    But considering your health, I hate seeing you overworked.


    Plus, you’ve taught me before.


    I want to do my part and ease your load.


    I don’t want you to stress too much.


    ”


    Be hesitated, pondering Elizabeth’s suggestion carefully.


    Undeterred, Elizabeth persisted.


    “Ste’s been in charge of the project.


    She’s solid, and I’m sure she’s got it under control.


    I’ll just help you get in touch with her.


    That’s all.


    ”


    Be didn’t immediately agree, opting for a cautious response instead.


    “Ste’s the one in charge right now.


    I’ll need to check with her first.


    ”


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    Elizabeth found Be’s response a bit unsatisfactory.


    But she managed to mask her disappointment with a forced smile, reluctantly epting it.


    She understood Be’s lingering worries from past events.


    Insisting on this might only make her disagree.


    “By the way, do we really need to rush Ste into the sessor role?” Elizabeth suggested further, “Let her wrap up this project first, make a name for herself in Dorburn.


    Then we can announce it publicly.


    It’ll show she’s the real deal and earn her some respect.


    ”


    Be considered Elizabeth’s proposal thoughtfully.


    Elizabeth continued, her tone calcted, “Ste has mostly developed her career in Seamarsh.


    Despite your support, some might question her credentials.


    They might think she’s only your student because of Matthew.


    It might be best to hold off a bit longer.


    ”


    Finding Elizabeth’s reasoning sound, Bemended her insight, agreeing.


    “You make a good point.


    That’s a sensible approach.


    ”


    “That’ll work for us all,” Elizabeth replied with a hint of insincerity, simmering with resentment toward Ste.


    At ten o’clock, Ste and Matthew said their goodbyes to Miley and Neville, and then left the restaurant.


    When they arrived home, Ste could perceive a strong fragrance of roses in the air just as she opened the gate slightly.


    At that moment, she suddenly realized what was going on and instinctively gazed at Matthew.


    As she locked eyes with his affectionate eyes, her heart skipped a beat.


    Pursing her Lips, she ced her hand on the gate and slowly pushed it open as Matthew watched her.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    When she switched on the light, a rose petal path was revealed, which extended from the gate to the living room.