Lindsay replied calmly, “A friend has offered to let me stay with her.


    It’s conveniently close to work.


    ”


    She smiled as she expressed her gratitude.


    “Thank you, and Matthew, for your hospitality.


    I don’t want to impose on you any longer.


    ”


    Ste offered a strained smile, choosing not to insist that Lindsay stay.


    “I’ll go pack my things then.


    I won’t disturb you further, Lindsay said courteously to Miley before heading upstairs.


    Miley watched her go, a frown momentarily crossing her face.


    Her instincts hinted that Lindsay could not be as straightforward as she seemed.


    ”


    “Wait a minute.


    ” Miley halted Lindsay’s stride and retrieved the lipstick she had found in the sofa.


    Direct and to the point, she held it out and questioned, “Is this yours?”


    Lindsay feigned surprise, responding “Oh, where did you find that? I’ve been searching for it for ages.


    ”


    She turned to reach for it, but Miley pulled back her hand and gestured to the sofa.


    “It was wedged in the living room sofa…”


    Her gaze fixed on Lindsay, Miley offered a slight smile, took her hand gently, and ced the lipstick in it, saying earnestly, “It’s yours, so make sure you take care of it.


    ”


    Lindsay lowered her gaze, pausing briefly before replying, “I will.


    Thank you, Miss Cullen.


    ”


    “Please, just Miley is fine.


    ” Miley didn’t mince her words as she continued, “Remember, this is Matthew and Ste’s house.


    Ste is reasonable and treats you like a sister; otherwise, something as trivial as this lipstick could’ve sparked a dispute between them.


    Since you’re living here, it’s wise to keep your personal items secure.


    ”


    Unlike Ste, Miley’s manner with Lindsay was less guarded.


    Miley’s words dripped with sarcasm, her eyes gleaming with sharpness.


    After talking, she stood silently, eager to gauge Lindsay’s reaction.


    Lindsay seemed oblivious to the sarcasm.


    “I guess it slipped out when I was getting my phone,” she admitted with a hint of guilt.


    “It was careless of me.


    I’ll be more vignt next time.


    ”


    Ashamed, she turned to Ste.


    “I’m really sorry, Ste.


    ”


    Ste, seeing Lindsay’s distress, reassured her gently, “It’s okay, really.


    No need to apologize to me.


    ”


    Relieved, Lindsay responded, “I’m d you’re not upset.


    I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.


    ”


    Miley crossed her arms and retorted sharply, “Promises aren’t enough.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Remember this, I don’t want toe here again and find anything that doesn’t belong to Ste.


    ”


    Lindsay, clutching her lipstick, murmured softly, “Understood.


    ”


    As Lindsay kept her gaze lowered, Ste said, trying to lighten the mood, “Miley can be blunt.


    Don’t take it too personally.


    Why don’t you go pack up your things? Your friend might be waiting.


    The bodyguards at the door can help if you need it.


    ”


    “Okay,” Lindsay replied, managing a small smile.


    Yet, as she turned away, her expression grew somber.