Clutching the note, Devyn knew there was no turning back with Ste.


    She couldn’t stomach taking that kindness.


    With resolve, Devyn squared her shoulders.


    “Please transfer the money back to thatdy’s ount.


    I’ll cover it.


    ”


    Meanwhile, Ste and Matthew returned to Prosper Bay.


    Matthew wasn’t feeling Ste’s moves.


    “You’re too soft,” he sighed.


    “She ripped off your work and won’t own up.


    I didn’t figure you for the forgiving type, but you still helped her.


    ”


    Ste shot him a nce, her lips tight.


    “True, her betrayal stings, but we were friends once.


    I can’t just sit back while her mom’s on the ropes.


    I had to do what I could.


    ”


    Ste let out a tiny sigh.


    “Maybe there’s still a shot she’ll turn things around.


    ”


    Right after, her phone buzzed.


    A refund message popped up, leaving Ste floored.


    Seeing the refund, she smirked sadly, passing the phone to Matthew.


    “It looks Like getting her toe clean won’t be happening.


    ”


    Matthew gave it a quick nce, his tone steely.


    “She had her chance.


    There’s no need for kid gloves.


    ”


    Flipping hisptop screen towards Ste, he got to the point.


    “Our priority now is letting Be know.


    We have pretty much confirmed Devyn has swiped your contest idea.


    Be needs to know for fairness’s sake.


    ”


    Ste nodded, taking it in.


    “Got it.


    ”


    Seated at herputer, she bundled up her design concept and sketches, zipping them off to Be.


    Her email asked for guidance from Be.


    She was ying it respectful.


    But Be’s reply dashed her hopes.


    Cold and curt, just a “Sorry, Ms.


    Anderson, my job’s picking top-notch stuff, not answering queries.


    ”


    Ste stared at the email, feeling deted.


    It seemed like Be would not be budging or buying any excuse.


    To Be, maybe it looked like a desperate scramble, just digging herself a deeper hole.


    Ste was tough as nails, though.


    She wasn’t afraid of anything since she hadn’t done anything wrong.


    It was just that finding her family would be more difficult.


    With that reality sinking in, Ste felt a heavy cloud over her.


    She looked to Matthew, searching for a lifeline.


    “What now? We’re short on proof that Devyn’s a copycat.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Be won’t flip her script just because of my sketches and words.


    To her, I’m the big, bad giarist.


    ”


    Matthew knitted his brows, mulling it over.


    He gave her a reassuring pat.


    “Leave it to me.


    I’ll dig up the dirt.


    ”


    With her friend’s betrayal and Be’s suspicion weighing on her, Ste found sce in leaning against Matthew, a silent agreement passing between them.