Normally, Neville might have joked about Matthew’s appearance, but today he was in no mood for humor.


    He already knew of the situation with Ste.


    With a soft voice, he asked, “How is Ste?”


    “There’s no immediate danger to her life.


    She just needs some time to heal.


    ”


    Neville exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing.


    “That’s a relief.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ”


    Without dy, he continued, “I’ve done some digging.


    The ship wasn’t bound for Mart Blue.


    It was actually headed for a dock in Lyllmann.


    ”


    Matthew’s brow furrowed in confusion.


    “A dock in LylLmann?”


    Neville gave a small, deliberate nod.


    “They have ties to the Charles family.


    ”


    The surname Charles lingered in the air.


    Matthew’s gaze shifted sharply to Fernando.


    “Is there any connection between Joann and them?”


    Fernando shook his head.


    “Joann mentioned someone had reached out to her, but she didn’t know who.


    We traced the phone number, but it turned out to be fake.


    ”


    Matthew’s face tightened, his mind racing with the implications.


    “Is there any bad blood between the rk family and the Charles family?” Neville asked, his eyes probing for answers.


    Matthew shook his head.


    “I’ve never heard of any.


    ”


    His face grew thoughtful as he considered Ste’s ties with the Lowell family.


    Rumors had once hinted that the Charles family might be behind Bet’s uncle’s car ident, but after the Lowells moved abroad, the chatter died down, and no one seemed to investigate further.


    Had the Charles family stirred up trouble again? And if so, what was their reason?


    At the same time, even though Bet hadn’t said a word, Byron had found out he had retrieved Kori’s blood sample.


    Byron called Bet into the study, his voice edged with concern.


    “Tell me the truth,” he said, eyes searching Bet’s face.


    “Why did you suddenly use your uncle’s blood sample? Did you find something?


    A spark of hope flickered in Byron’s gaze, though he fought to keep it in check.


    Years of shifting from hope to despair had left him wary, unwilling to face that rollercoaster of emotions again.


    Bet had meant to keep his discovery under wraps a little longer, waiting until he could get a read on Ste’s reaction.


    But the news hade out sooner than he expected.


    After a moment of hesitation, he finally said, “I found my cousin.


    ”


    Byron’s eyes filled with tears.


    “Are you serious?”