Matthew’s displeasure was evident, his attitude toward Sanford noticeably cold.


    However, Sanford seemed unbothered by the hostility, maintaining his smile.


    “I only meant well, Mr.


    rk.


    You should rx.


    ”


    He then lowered his voice, speaking with a cryptic tone.


    “What’s meant to be yours will be yours.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    If it isn’t, no amount of effort will change that.


    ”


    With those words, Sanford dismissed Matthew’s reaction entirely and walked over to the elders, the food container in hand.


    Ste frowned slightly.


    There was something off about Sanford’s behavior-something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.


    Instinctively, she felt that Matthew was right; Sanford was likely not as straightforward as he appeared.


    It was wise to keep a safe distance.


    Gently, she squeezed Matthew’s hand, offering reassurance.


    “Don’t let it bother you.


    You should trust in me and in our rtionship.


    ”


    Matthew gave a curt nod, but the wariness in his eyes remained.


    Since the elders were seated some distance away from Ste and Matthew, they were oblivious to the earlier exchange.


    Their attitudes toward Sanford remained unchanged, warm and weing.


    After Ste and Matthew entered the living room, Kyra called Ste over.


    “Ste,e here,” she beckoned.


    Kyra then presented Ste with an exquisite set of emerald jewelry.


    The ne, particrly the jade pendant, gleamed brilliantly.


    Its translucent green hue sparkled with an opulence that was undeniable.


    Even though Ste wasn’t an expert in jewelry, she could easily discern its immense value.


    Ste was taken aback and instinctively tried to refuse.


    “No, this is too valuable.


    I can’t ept it,” she protested.


    Kyra’s expression turned somber, tinged with self-reproach.


    “If I hadn’t insisted on having you and your parents return back then, this ident might never have urred.


    The hardships you’ve endured over the years can’t bepensated by this jewelry alone,” she said, her voice heavy with regret.


    Upon hearing Kyra’s words, Lucia felt moved.


    She gently urged, “Ste, please ept it.


    It’s a gift from your grandmother, after all.


    ”


    Ste hesitated.


    Both Lucia and Kyra pressed, “Take it.


    ”


    Finding it impossible to decline, Ste gratefully epted the gift.


    “Thanks, Grandma,” she murmured, not quite used to having a grandmother yet.


    Kyra, tears welling up in her eyes, softly encouraged, “Good girl, let me help you with that.


    ”


    She reached out for the ne, causing Ste to recoil slightly.


    They had only just met-they were practically strangers, and Ste was not ustomed to such intimacy.


    Just as she was about to object, Matthew intervened, saying, “Allow me to take care of this.


    ”


    He gently took the ne and dr@ped it around Ste’s neck as she looked on, somewhat bewildered.