Lucia, perceptive to the undercurrent of tension, could tell there was more to the story, though she wasn’t privy to the details.


    Considering both Ste and Lindsay were part of the rk family, she felt apelling urge to mend fences.


    She interjected smoothly, “Lindsay woke up early to prepare all this, knowing you and your mom would be here.


    ”


    Ste said curtly, “Thanks, Lindsay.


    ”


    But she quickly shifted her attention to Clint and Waldo.


    “Hey, you must be starving by now.


    It’s about noon.


    Let’s not keep lunch waiting, shall we?”


    Lindsay’s smile wavered, struggling to be genuine as she sensed Ste’s disinterest and Be’s restrained reaction.


    The men around them remained unaware of the underlying tension, their focus elsewhere.


    Waldo turned to Clint and said, “My stomach’s starting to rumble.


    Since we’re all here, let’s make this a big family meal.


    ”


    Clint agreed with a nod.


    They all made their way to the dining room.


    Waldo and Lucia walked side by side, while Clint chatted warmly with Be, filling the space with a cozy feeling.


    Ste stayed close to Be, and Matthew kept a careful watch over her.


    The family buzzed with smiles andughter, though Lindsay felt a growing sense of istion.


    She stayed still, her teeth clenched, watching their backs with a creeping sense of uncertainty about her ce in the group.


    Inside the dining room, the ta


    ble was filled with tempting dishes, each one clearly chosen with Be’s health and preferences in mind.


    It was obvious that a lot of thought had gone into the meal.


    A servant ced a te in front of Ste, and as she noticed a piece of fish, a wave of nausea suddenly hit her.


    Ste fought to suppress the nausea rising within her.


    Waldo turned to Be with a smile and said, “This fish is the chef’s special.


    It’s perfect for your recovery.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ”


    Be smiled and said, “Looks so fresh! The chef really did a great job.


    ”


    Clint said, “Definitely.


    The ingredients and the cooking are first- rate.


    ”


    While everyone praised the fish, Ste couldn’t manage to eat it.


    She attempted to take a bite, but as she brought it to her lips, she gripped her chest and nearly gagged.


    Sitting beside her, Be noticed Ste’s extreme reaction and expressed her concern, saying, “Hey, are you okay? Are you feeling iu?”


    Matthew also became anxious.


    “Are you feeling sick, or is the fish not to your Liking?”


    “I’m fine,” Ste replied as she tried to push her te away.


    Just then, a bowl of rich meat soup was set before her.