Everyone had anticipated Matthew’s return, but until the end of the meeting, he didn’t show up again.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    As the senior executives filed out of the conference room, Fernando took advantage of the moment, approaching Ste.


    “Mrs.


    rk, about Mr.


    rk-” he began, but Ste interrupted with a gentle smile.


    “You don’t need to exin, Fernando.


    I understand.


    ”


    Fernando exhaled in relief, reassured by her calm demeanor.


    Ste, as the CEO’s wife, certainly seemedposed and understanding.


    He then offered, “I’ll head to the hospital to check on the situation.


    Would you like toe with me?”


    Swallowing her bitterness, Ste declined with aposed smile, saying, “No, I have work to finish here.


    Just update me if there’s any news from the hospital.


    ”


    “Okay, Mrs.


    rk,” Fernando responded with a nod before making his exit.


    Once he left, therge room felt empty, leaving only Ste and Doreen behind.


    Even Doreen, usually oblivious, sensed the tension.


    She couldn’t help but approach Ste, her voice filled with concern.


    “Ste, are you alright?”


    Forcing a smile, Ste replied, “Why wouldn’t I be?”


    Seeing Ste’s brave front, Doreen felt a wave of distress and frustration on her behalf.


    She blurted out, “What does Mr.


    rk mean by this? Why does an assistant need him to personally escort her to the hospital?”


    When she noticed Ste hadn’t responded after a long silence, Doreen assumed she was too upset to speak.


    Just as she was about to offer someforting words, she caught sight of the sweat beading on Ste’s forehead, herplexion unusually pale.


    .


    .


    Library


    rmed, Doreen quickly reached out to support her.


    “Ste, what’s wrong?” she asked, her voice trembling with worry.


    Ste, struggling with intense pain in her chest and stomach, could barely manage a word.


    Doreen noticed Ste’s pain and recalled Ste mentioning stomach difort earlier that day.


    Acting quickly, she said, “I’ll take you to the hospital.


    Don’t try to tough it out.


    ”


    Ste shook her head, struggling through the pain.


    In a trembling voice, she replied, “I… I have some stomach medicine in my bag.


    Could you… help me get it? I’ll feel a bit better after taking it…”


    Her face was pale, and she struggled to form coherent sentences.


    Doreen’s eyes welled with tears, her fear evident.


    “No, look at you! You’re in so much pain.


    You need to go to the hospital for a check- up.


    ”


    After saying this, she couldn’t help but express her frustration.


    “Look at you, in so much pain, and Mr.


    rk seems more concerned about an assistant than about you.


    ”


    Ste was aware that many in thepany had witnessed Matthew carrying Lindsay out.


    She didn’t want to add fuel to any potential rumors or misunderstandings.


    The curious nces from the executives had already affected her.


    Ste was determined not to let Lindsay take advantage of the situation or furtherplicate matters.