Her eyes fluttered open, her slender fingers encasing his hand.


    In her groggy state, she seemed unable to discern whether she was dreaming or awake, her instinct urging her not to let him go.


    Then, in a soft whisper barely louder than a sigh, she murmured, “Don’t go…” Her voice trailed off as her eyes closed again.


    As Ste awoke, the room was draped in the soft hues of evening.


    Her eyes fluttered open to the sight of a familiar face—Miley.


    With an exmation of surprise, Miley cried, “Ste, you’re finally awake!”


    Ste’s gaze quickly darted away from Miley, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for something.


    “What’s wrong?” Miley watched her with a furrowed brow, concern etching her features.


    Silence hung between them as Ste continued her survey of the room.


    Once convinced they were alone, a shadow of disappointment crossed her face.


    She mustered a weary smile.


    “I’m fine; don’t worry about me.


    ”


    Miley let out a sigh of relief.


    “I was worried sick, you know?”


    Ste offered an apologetic smile.


    “Why are you here?” she inquired gently.


    Miley moved to pick up a ss from the side table, filling it with water for Ste.


    As she handed it over, she exined, “After our phone call, I was still worried about you, so I came over to check on you, and then found out you’d fainted!”


    As Ste epted the ss, vague images shed through her mind, and she asked anxiously, “Miley, was anyone else in my room when you arrived?”Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Miley’s expression clouded with confusion.


    “Erin was here earlier,” she admitted.


    “She told me she’d prepared some food for you in the kitchen, so you’d have something to eat when you woke up.


    ”


    She then asked, “Are you hungry? I’ll go heat it up.


    ”


    Disappointment washed over Ste again, and she shook her head, her voice a whisper.


    “I don’t have any appetite.


    ”


    Miley sighed deeply, sitting on the edge of the bed.


    She reached out, touching Ste’s hand reassuringly.


    “I know you’re upset, but you mustn’t neglect your health.


    Perhaps Matthew is facing his own troubles.


    You’ve been through so much together; I’m certain he wouldn’t think of divorcing you.


    ”


    With a bitter smile, Ste revealed, “He’s already asked Erin to pack his bags.


    He’s nning to leave Prosper Bay.


    ”


    Stunned, Miley struggled to find the words.


    Taking a deep breath, Ste gathered her strength.


    “Don’t worry about me.


    I’ll figure out what’s happened to him in Sothrea.


    ”


    Seeing Ste’s resolve, Miley exhaled in relief and assured her firmly, “Okay.


    Rest easy.


    Neville and I are here for you.


    ”


    Ste smiled with relief.


    Meanwhile, Neville and Cordell made their way to the Prosperity Group’s headquarters, determined to confront Matthew.