Kristian caught off guard, replied impulsively, “We have another daughter.


    ”


    As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw Be’s expression darken ominously.


    “Another daughter?” Be’s voice was low and tinged with disbelief.


    “Is someone who drugged me and tried to destabilize my mind still considered my daughter?”


    Kristian instantly regretted his remark, realizing toote the weight of his words.


    Be had long struggled to put aside the painful memories of what Elizabeth had done.


    Bringing it up now undoubtedly reopened old wounds.


    Seeing Be’s visible anger, Kristian softened his expression, attempting to defuse the situation.


    “I didn’t mean to imply anything negative.


    Ste is exceptionally talented and I’m confident she will manage the studio well.


    I fully support your decision to pass on your legacy to her, though she is still quite young and inexperienced.


    ”


    Be countered, “Managing the studio is precisely the experience she needs.


    There’s no point in dying her development under the guise of training.


    ”


    Kristian felt a knot tighten in his throat at her resolve.


    A cold sh crossed his eyes, though he held back any further objections.


    The more he argued, the more likely he was to slip up and raise Be’s suspicions.


    Yet, he was determined not to let all the property transfer to Ste without resistance.


    He silently pondered his next move.


    Meanwhile, Be turned to Ste, seeking her input.


    “What do you think? Don’t worry about your existing studio.


    Our business models are simr, so it will be easy for you to get the hang of things.


    If managing both is too much, consider merging them.


    My studio is well-established, and you can learn a lot from it.


    ”


    Ste hesitated, her insecurity evident.


    “I’m inexperienced.


    I’m worried I might not meet your expectations…”


    As she spoke, Matthew reached out and took her hand, giving her an encouraging smile.


    “If Be believes in you enough to entrust you with this responsibility, it means she has faith in your abilities.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Don’t let her down.


    ”


    Be gave a solemn nod in agreement.


    Bolstered by Be’s confidence and Matthew’s support, Ste found her resolve.


    “I ept.


    I will do my utmost to excel in this role.


    I hope you’ll guide me along the way.


    ”


    After dinner, they bid each other farewell at the restaurant.


    Ste and Be had arranged to meet again the next day.


    Then, she and Matthew dropped Clint off to rest.


    Later, as they drove back to Prosper Bay, Ste couldn’t contain her curiosity.


    “Why did you suddenly urge me to promise Be I’d take over her studio?”


    Matthew nced at her briefly before responding, “It will give you more time to develop your rtionship with Be.


    Since she’s announced your rtionship with her publicly, the oue will be the same whether you agree or not.


    Why disappoint her?”


    While his logic was sound, Ste sensed that Matthew was withholding something.


    She looked into his eyes intently and probed, “Is that really the only reason?”


    Matthew offered a small smile.


    “What else could there be?”