Rubbing her eyes, she croaked, “Are you off to work?”


    Matthew’s smile was tender.


    “Yep, but it’s early.


    You can snooze a bit more.


    Breakfast is waiting.


    ”


    Agreeing, Ste helped him with his tie before deciding to freshen up.


    Downstairs, they sat for breakfast.


    Just as Matthew was about to head out, there came a knock at the door.


    Erin rushed to answer it at the sound.


    Outside, Devyn stood with herptop, shing a smile.


    “Hey there, is Ste around?”


    Hearing Devyn, Ste hurried out from the dining room.


    She instructed Erin to focus on her tasks and personally weed Devyn in.


    “You’re up bright and early!”


    Devyn exined, “I’m an early bird, don’t you know? Mornings just click for me.


    ”


    Spotting Matthew, she greeted him politely.


    “Mr.


    rk, it has been a while.


    ”


    Matthew gave a slight nod.


    “It sure has.


    Thanks for keeping Stepany.


    ”


    “Oh, it’s no trouble, really,” Devyn replied, a hint of nerves evident.


    Matthew ki*sed Ste’s forehead and made his exit.


    With Matthew gone, Devyn visibly rxed.


    Ste led her to the study.


    Taking a quick look around, Devyn remarked, “This ce is massive.


    ”


    “Feel free to settle in and make yourself at home,” Ste reassured, trying to ease Devyn’s nerves.


    She opened the study door.


    “Let’s work in here.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    It’s quiet.


    ”


    Seated, Ste broached the topic of Devyn’s online store.


    “I checked out your shop yesterday.


    You’re super dedicated.


    With a bit more visibility, you’ll be golden.


    I can help with that.


    ”


    “Thank you,” Devyn murmured gratefully.


    “You’re wee,” Ste replied warmly.


    Then she had a suggestion.


    “I noticed the designs on the clothes are all printed.


    They’re nice but not very delicate.


    What if we switched to embroidery? What do you reckon?”


    Devyn shook her head.


    “I get where you’reing from.


    But embroidery, to make it really pop, costs a pretty penny.


    I can’t afford that.


    ”


    There was a tinge of frustration in her voice.


    Knowing Devyn’s passion for design and her ambitious spirit, Ste didn’t want to see her held back by finances.


    Taking Devyn’s hand, Ste looked her in the eye.


    “Don’t stress about it.


    I’ve got the funds to help out.


    Let’s make it happen.


    ”