Still wary, Ste withdrew her hand, responding, “Just an ident.


    ”


    Fixing her gaze on Haley, she questioned, “Where were you? Why do youe to me now?”


    Dropping her gaze, Haley revealed, “I miraculously survived a car crash that year.


    Burdened with debts, I had no choice but to entrust you to Mr.


    Anderson.


    ”


    Tears traced down her face as she continued, “I had ns to reunite with you after securing a stable job, but fate had other ns.


    I was abducted and sold to another country.


    The journey home was fraught with suffering.


    ”


    A lump formed in Ste’s throat; she understood the arduousness of Haley’s escape from the clutches of kidnappers.


    Haley wiped her tears, resolutely meeting Ste’s gaze.


    sping Ste’s hand, she vowed, “Ste, don’t hold it against me.


    I had no choice back then.


    I’m here to make amends now.


    ”


    Observing the woman who bore a striking resemnce, Ste felt a profound sympathy for the trials Haley had faced.


    She harbored no desire to cast me, acknowledging that Haley’s escape was fueled by her yearning to reunite with her daughter.


    With a nod, Ste embraced Haley, murmuring, “You’ve suffered a lot.


    ”


    In what should have been a poignant mother-daughter reunion, Matthew observed with a cold, scrutinizing gaze.


    His gaze fixed on Haley, his frown deepened, finding the woman’s sudden appearanceden with suspicion.


    In that moment, Oliver and Juliette approached.


    “Your mother hasn’t had dinner yet.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Ste, let her eat first.


    You can talk after dinner,” Juliette suggested with a warm smile.


    Ste released her hold on Haley, dabbing her tears away with a tissue.


    “Let’s have dinner first.


    ”


    “Okay,” Haley agreed.


    As she prepared to escort Ste to the dining room, a hushed voice cut through the air.


    Matthew’s piercing stare bore into Haley as he inquired, “Do you have any evidence to affirm you are truly Ste’s mother?”


    His authoritative tone applied pressure, making Haley uneasy.


    However, she had anticipated this moment and maintainedposure.


    Turning her head, she avoided Matthew’s probing eyes and exined, “I visited the orphanage and provided documents as evidence.


    If you remain unconvinced, I’m open to a DNA test.


    But I trust no mother would mistake her own daughter.


    ”


    Her words failed to dispel Matthew’s skepticism; he continued to scrutinize Haley with growing curiosity.


    Aware of Matthew’s knack for inducing stress, Ste intervened, cautioning him, “Matthew, cease with the questioning.


    ”


    She guided Haley towards the dining room, reassuring her, “Matthew didn’t mean any harm.


    Pay no mind to him.


    ”


    Haley nodded, smiling in agreement.


    “Certainly.


    ”


    As Matthew continued to scrutinize Haley’s retreating figure, his instincts whispered of an underlying mystery in the unfolding situation.


    Matthew lingered in the living room by himself for quite a while, his emotions swirling as he overheardughter from the dining room.


    He was determined not to let Ste down at this moment.