Ste’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his words.


    She yfully scolded him, “Can’t you focus on something serious for a moment?”


    Matthew responded with a chuckle, “Isn’t nning our future family serious enough?”


    Their light-hearted banter continued for a while, filling the car withughter.


    However, reality soon set in, and under Ste’s gentle prodding, Matthew agreed to head back to the office to finish his day’s work.


    Meanwhile, Lindsay and Lucia also departed from the hospital.


    As they walked toward the exit, Lucia’s expression was clouded with displeasure.


    Although Lucia had outwardly supported Lindsay in front of the family earlier, she wasn’t clueless about the situation.


    In a low voice filled with a firm resolve, Lucia addressed Lindsay, saying, “No matter what your feelings are, Ste is your sister-inw.


    That rtionship won’t change.


    If you two can’t get along, it’s best you keep your distance and avoid further trouble.


    ”


    Lindsay remained silent, head bowed, as Lucia continued, “Luckily, Ste wasn’t actually pregnant, so no severe harm was done this time.


    But if such an incident urs again, not even your grandfather and I will be able to protect you.


    ”


    “I understand,” Lindsay muttered, though her heart was filled with deep-seated resentment.


    After Lucia and Waldo departed, Lindsay and Joann were left alone.


    Joann, still unsettled by the day’s events, seized the moment to confront Lindsay.


    “Why did you suddenly push me back at the hospital? Were you trying to set me up?”


    The fear of being implicated in a potentially tragic oue-if Ste had been pregnant and harmed-had Joann visibly anxious, especially recalling Matthew’s intense demeanor earlier.


    Lindsay, fresh from Lucia’s admonishment and now faced with Joann’s usations, snapped back impatiently, “No, I didn’t.


    But clearly, something was off with you today.


    ”


    Joann, momentarily taken aback by Lindsay’s denial, felt her confidence waver.


    She had previously been preupied with thoughts of matching Lindsay with Felix, which might have clouded her judgment.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    “No, that’s not it.


    I just assumed Ste was pregnant and everyone was so focused on her.


    I didn’t want to get involved in any trouble.


    ”


    Trying to redirect the conversation, Joann cautiously suggested, “Lindsay, perhaps it’s time to let go of any feelings you have for Matthew.


    He didn’t defend you today; he only cared about Ste.


    If it hadn’t been for your grandmother stepping in, he might have involved the police.


    It seems pointless to continue pining after him.


    ”


    Lindsay remained silent.


    Joann pressed on, “There are plenty of good men out there.


    Even if Matthew and Ste were to divorce, you’d only ever be his second choice.


    It’s better to find someone who’s never been married.


    ”


    Lindsay studied Joann with a skeptical frown, sensing ulterior motives.


    “What are you really trying to say?” she asked pointedly.


    Joann replied, trying to sound casual yet persuasive, “I’m just saying that my brother is a great catch.


    If you were to marry him, it would bring us closer together.


    ”


    The suggestion made Lindsay scoff internally.


    How could Felix everpare to Matthew in her eyes? The thought was almostughable.


    “That’s enough!” Lindsay cut her off sharply, her patience wearing thin.


    “Mind your own business, Joann.


    You don’t need to worry about me.


    ”