He was reminded of how she handled herself when they first met; he had always admired her energetic and decisive nature.


    He was d they hit it off right from the start, without any time lost.


    Ste, nibbling on her food, realized Matthew hadn’t even touched his.


    Looking up, she caught him staring at her and it made her squirm.


    After a moment’s pause, she urged him, “Come on, eat up!”


    “Alright.


    ” Matthew grinned and finally looked away.


    After dinner, they made their way to the parking lot.


    Exiting the elevator, Ste spotted Alina propped against her car.


    Alina, head down, gazing at the ground, was undeniably striking.


    She took a drag on her cigarette, her eyes swirling withplex emotions.


    Ste’s brow creased in concern.


    She approached, cautioning, “You’re a star, and having photos of you smoking isn’t a good look in the media.


    ”


    Caught off guard, Alina’s expression turned frosty when she realized it was Ste.


    Flicking the cigarette into the bin, she snapped, “Mind your own business!”


    With that, she hopped into her car and sped off.


    Ste remained there, thoughts swirling.


    “Ste, get in the car,” Matthew called out to her.


    Ste snapped back to reality and made her way over to Matthew.


    She looked downhearted, prompting Matthew tofort her by patting her head.


    “You know, Alina’s had her share of scandals because of her family, but she’s got a solid reputation, and thepany has always kept things discreet for her.


    ”


    “Really?” Ste’s eyes widened with curiosity.


    “That woman’s actually Alina’s mom?”


    Matthew shook his head.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    “No.


    She’s the stepmother.


    .


    He paused, collecting his thoughts.


    “Alina’s family tree is kind of a mess.


    Her stepmother and brother threw her out on the street.


    Once she made it big, she pretty much ditched them.


    ”


    Ste was puzzled.