Be’s expression grew stern upon hearing the entire story.


    After a brief pause, she concluded to Ste, “This was Elizabeth’s fault.


    ”


    “Mom!” Elizabeth gasped, unable to hide her shock.


    Ste too seemed taken aback by Be’s sudden decisiveness.


    Elizabeth was left speechless, her questions stifled by Be’s piercing gaze.


    Be approached Ste, nodding slightly.


    “I had Elizabethe here on my behalf since I’ve been unwell.


    It’s my fault she faltered.


    ”


    “Why are you speaking so humbly to Ste?” Elizabeth snapped, visibly upset.


    “Enough! No more talking,” Be interjected, halting her.


    Elizabeth pressed her lips together, forcefully holding back her words.


    Turning to Ste, Be resumed, saying, “I apologize for Elizabeth’s actions.


    Please, forgive her for my sake.


    ”


    This time, Elizabeth held her tongue, though her re at Ste was intense.


    Ste chose to disregard Elizabeth’s stare.


    She had invited Be to dispel any misconceptions.


    Now that Be had understood the truth, Ste wanted to avoid further awkwardness.


    Moreover, she had another more significant reason for inviting Be.


    Seizing the moment, Ste assured her, “Now that everything’s clear, let’s put this behind us.


    I respect your effort to make amends.


    ”N?velDrama.Org content.


    Yet, Elizabeth couldn’t contain her frustration.


    “I did nothing wrong.


    It doesn’t matter whether she forgives me or not,” she blurted out.


    Be frowned, a silent warning to Elizabeth, who clenched her jaw and fell silent.


    Ste couldn’t help but feel envious.


    Be always stood up for Elizabeth, ready to apologize on her behalf.


    Once she regained herposure, Ste addressed Be, saying, “There’s something else I need to discuss with you.


    ”


    Aware of the attention they were attracting, Ste hesitated briefly before turning to Be.


    “Do you have a moment? Maybe we could step outside and have a talk in private?” she suggested.


    Be, unsure of what Ste intended to discuss, simply nodded her agreement.


    As Ste led Be away, Rylie intervened, calling out urgently, “Mrs, rk!”


    Ste paused to look back at her.


    Rylie, her expression tense, implored, “Please don’t go.


    We haven’t finished our conversation…”


    Her voice faded into uncertainty.