Her lips parted, poised to offer an exnation, yet the sight of disappointment and revulsion in Be’s eyes left her speechless, unsure of where to begin.


    A throbbing headache gued Be.


    Remembering Ste’s failure to deliver the dress on time only hardened her expression.


    “I have little patience for those who don’t honor theirmitments,” she went on indifferently.


    Her gaze dropped to the dress Ste held.


    “Margery has been hounding me all day, and at such a crucial time, you were unreachable.


    You’ve let me down profoundly.


    ”


    Ste opened her mouth to respond, but Be cut her off sharply, announcing, “You will need to speak with Margery directly from now on.


    As of today, I am withdrawing from this project.


    ”


    Bewildered by Be’s sudden change, Ste couldn’t grasp why she was denied even a moment to exin herself.


    Desperate not to sever ties in such a manner, Ste made onest attempt to mend their fraying rtionship.


    “I’ve been working non-stop since I was informed of the deadline.


    I received no prior warning…”


    While she spoke, Be suddenly staggered.


    She reached out to steady herself against the wall, barely able to stand.


    Ste immediately stopped speaking and moved to assist Be, but Elizabeth blocked her.


    Elizabeth fixed Ste with a fierce re and snapped, “What more do you want? Are you trying to infuriate my mom to death? If you have any respect left for how kind she’s been to you, grab your ragged clothes and leave!”


    After her outburst, Elizabeth shot Ste a scathing look and guided Be back inside.


    As soon as Elizabeth turned away, a sly smile yed across her lips.


    She hadn’t expected her impromptu scheme to work so well.


    Had Be been as lucid as before, she would never have fallen for such deception.


    Elizabeth mused that if she had known the drug was this effective, she would have increased Be’s dosage sooner.


    Ste stood motionless, staring at the closed door.


    Her feet felt like lead, and she found it hard to even draw a breath.


    Matthew sped her cold hand gently and suggested, “Let’s head home for now.


    ”


    Ste remained silent, allowing him to guide her away.


    In the car, Ste gradually regained herposure and made aposed call to Margery.


    She apologized and arranged for the dress to be delivered.


    Once that was settled, Ste’s pent-up emotions overwhelmed her.


    Sensing her mncholy, Matthew wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering his support for her to lean on.


    In a soft tone, he reassured her, “Don’t be downhearted.


    Be was probably just overwhelmed earlier.


    That might exin her harsh words.N?velDrama.Org content.


    Plus, she didn’t seem to be in her best health today, which could have soured her mood.


    How about we both go and apologize to her in a few days? What do you think?”


    Ste shook her head, her voice tinged with resignation.


    “I think Be truly feels let down by me this time.


    She might not even want to see me anymore.


    ”


    As she recalled Be’s disapproving gaze, her heart sank further.


    Looking up at Matthew, she confessed, “I didn’t get any notification about the urgency.


    Even so, I did everything I could to finish the dress promptly.


    I just can’t fathom why she refused to hear me out.


    ”