Matthew’s response was cool and dispassionate.


    “Your acknowledgment doesn’t alter the facts.


    We will involve the police and they will determine whether your actions were idental or intentional.


    ”


    The police? The prospect of police involvement visibly shook Lindsay.


    She couldn’t fathom Matthew taking such severe measures.


    “I didn’t intend any harm.


    What must I do to convince you? If I jumped from this window, would you believe my sincerity?”


    Overwhelmed, she made a move toward the window, her behavior escting into near hysteria.


    Fernando was quick to react, stepping in to block her path.


    Lindsay’s voice trembled with urgency as she struggled against Fernando’s hold, pleading, “Let me go.


    If you all believe I’m capable of such harm, what purpose does my Life serve here?”


    Lucia, always seeking harmony, stepped in gently, saying, “Please, everyone, let’s discuss this calmly.


    ”


    She turned to address the gathered family with concern in her eyes.


    “We should let this misunderstanding pass.


    Lindsay has been part of our family her whole life; she’s not a malicious person.


    Surely, we don’t need to escte this to the authorities, right?”


    She then looked firmly at Lindsay, advising, “Lindsay, keep your distance from Ste, please.


    ”


    Ste had long known about Lucia’spassionate nature, and Lucia’s advice was exactly what she wanted to hear.


    Now that she had achieved her goal, she didn’t want to escte things further and put the elders in a tight spot.


    Respecting Lucia’s plea, Ste responded, “Lucia’s words are enough for now.


    But I must be clear-should anything simr ur, I will take action.


    ”


    Lindsay bit her lip, hiding her frustration and anger behind aposed exterior.


    As the group dispersed from the hospital, the tension somewhat diffused.


    In the quiet of the car, Ste’s sadness was palpable.


    She hesitated as she almost reached toward her abdomen, and then sighed, “Everyone was so excited… Mom and Alissa began preparing, and Matthew, you immersed yourself in all those parenting books.


    And all for what?”


    Her guilt over the stirred hopes weighed on her, dampening her spirits.


    Matthew sped her hand, offeringfort.


    “Don’t me yourself.


    We’ll be parents when the time is right.


    None of the preparation will go to waste,” he assured her with a warm smile.


    “This just gives us more time to be ready for the future.


    ”N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Though he tried to lighten her mood, Ste remained subdued.


    Observing her continued somberness, Matthew turned to Fernando and said decisively, “Please take us to Prosper Bay.


    ”


    Surprised, Ste nced at Matthew, her curiosity piqued.


    “Aren’t you supposed to be going back to thepany?”


    She knew he had left work abruptly upon hearing of her ident.


    Leaning closer, Matthew whispered teasingly in her ear, “Since we’re talking about having a baby, maybe we should start working on it sooner rather thanter.


    ” His suggestion was both yful and suggestive.