Miley held Ste’s hand firmly and kept her eyes on the direction Kristian had disappeared.


    She asked sharply, “What did that jerk just say to you? He has absolutely no shame, I swear! It’s the first time I’ve seen someone with such thick skin!”


    Ste remembered Kristian’s warnings and threats, but she chose not to worry her friends.


    She replied gently, “Just some insignificant words, nothing more.


    ”


    “You shouldn’t waste your time talking to someone like him,” Doreen added, her voice filled with anger.


    She had just learned the full extent of Kristian’s deceit and was shocked.


    Who would have guessed that the charming man was actually aplete fraud?


    Without their timely intervention, Doreen couldn’t fathom what might have urred.


    Miley said with fury, “I’m relieved Matthew saw through his deceit.


    It would have only gotten worse if it had continued.


    ”


    Ste smiled as she listened to her friends talk.


    She felt greatly relieved.


    “Thanks, everyone, for standing by me during this time.


    You’ve all been so concerned about me.


    ”


    She glimpsed Alissa from the corner of her eye and released Doreen’s hand to approach her.


    However, before she could utter a single word, Alissa sped her hand firmly.


    Tears rimmed Alissa’s eyes, and her voice trembled.


    “You and your mom have endured so much over the years.


    ”


    Ste was aware that


    Alissa had visited Be in the hospital two days before the trial.


    She wasn’t informed about the specifics of their talk, but she noticed Alissa’s tearful eyes when she left the room.


    It seemed to Ste that Alissa and Be had shared some truths and known about their past rtionship.


    Now, after hearing what Alissa had to say, Ste felt even more certain.


    Watching Alissa shed tears of joy, Ste couldn’t shake off a sense of sorrow.


    “Alissa, your dedication over the years ismendable.


    Thanks for caring about my mom.


    You’re the reason everything progressed so swiftly.


    ”


    Alissa’s call of “Ethan” ignited their suspicions about Kristian.


    Without it, they would still be puzzled, trying to understand the situation.


    Tears streamed down Alissa’s cheeks, and the sadness spread to everyone around her.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    The atmosphere became heavy and somber.


    Neville eased the tension, saying, “This isn’t the best ce to sort things out.


    It’ste now.


    Why don’t we get some food and discuss this over dinner?”


    Ste dried her tears and offered a tissue to Alissa, attempting to brighten the mood.


    “Today should be a joyful day.


    Let’s not focus on the sad things.


    ”


    Then, turning to Matthew, she said, “It’s so rare for us all to be together like this.


    How about we turn it into a get-together and invite Mom?”