Each time she saw Be, a familiar sensation convinced her of a possible parent-child connection.


    Unfortunately, reality had other ns.


    Matthew stroked her back and whispered, “It’s my fault.


    I should have confirmed everything before getting your hopes up.


    If I hadn’t, you wouldn’t be this upset now.


    ”


    Ste looked up at his weary face and shook her head.


    “It’s not your fault.


    I just wanted it too much,” she murmured.


    She lowered her gaze and sped Matthew’s hand.


    “Don’t stress about it.


    It’s been a long time, and even my grandfather has forgotten the details.


    Finding someone who disappeared so many years ago is never easy.


    We need to be patient.


    ”Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Her words were as much for herself as they were for Matthew.


    Matthew looked at her.


    Under his gaze, Ste forced a smile and added, “And I’ve also gained a lot.


    After all, my skill has been recognized by Be and I’ve got the opportunity to learn from her.


    It’s not all a loss.


    ”


    Matthew could tell she was just putting on a brave face.


    The more she spoke, the more he sympathized with her plight.


    He held Ste’s hand reassuringly and said, “Don’t be discouraged.


    As long as we keep following the clues, we will find your mother as soon as possible.


    ”


    “Okay,” Ste replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper, indicating her dwindling hope.


    Matthewforted her and shifted the conversation.


    “Do you remember any conversations


    when you were with Haley? Did she mention anyone, like a boyfriend?”


    He had revisited the circumstances of Haley’s death several times and something about it seemed off.


    To uncover the truth, finding this mysterious man could be the key breakthrough.


    Ste thought for a moment before responding, “I haven’t heard her mention any man.


    I didn’t feel inclined to get close to her; she was always on guard with me and never shared much about her personal life.


    I’m just relieved that my mother isn’t her.


    .


    ”


    Her gaze then shifted toward Matthew with a hint of curiosity.


    Matthew seldom brought up Haley.


    Why was he discussing her so earnestly today?


    “Was there anything wrong with her?” Ste frowned.


    She had witnessed Haley’s death; there shouldn’t have been any doubts.


    “Nothing specific.


    I just thought there was something odd about her death at the time, so I asked,” Matthew replied casually, trying to prevent Ste from worrying further.


    He embraced her gently andforted, “I’ll look into itter.


    Don’t think too much about it now.


    It’ste; try to get some sleep.


    ”


    In Matthew’s arms, Ste felt a profound sense of security.


    A wave of sleepiness gradually washed over her, and she nestled into afortable position, closed her eyes, and slowly drifted off to sleep.


    Matthew turned to gaze at her peaceful face, but his mind was still preupied with the day’s events.