A sharp glint appeared in his eyes as he continued, “And I’ve heard you were funded by Bet’s uncle.


    Is that correct?”


    Sanford tactfully ced the crux of his response to the final question, speaking little of his dealings with Sanz Group.


    “My mentor believed in my knack for design,” he shared, reflecting on the past.


    “He dedicated himself to honing my skills.


    ”


    Then he asked Matthew, “Why are you so interested in my past?”


    In a tone tinged with caution, Matthew confessed, “I simply wish to shield my wife from bad men.


    I find it prudent to rify such matters beforehand.


    ”


    His remarks, though blunt, seemed to wash over Sanford, who merely smiled, unbothered by the underlying implications.


    Both men offered smiles, but their expressions masked more profound sentiments.


    Ste quickly interjected, hoping to smooth over the tension, “Mr.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Quimby, please, pay no mind.


    My husband means well; he’s just being protective.


    ”


    Sanford responded with a gracious shake of his head.


    “It’s quite alright.


    Ipletely understand Mr.


    rk’s concerns.


    If I were in his shoes, with a wife as charming as you, I’d be wary of thepany she keeps too.


    ”


    Hearing this, Ste gave an awkward smile.


    The evening continued, and though the atmosphere was strained, Ste’s efforts prevented any further decline in civility.


    After they said their goodbyes to Sanford, the weight of the evening seemed to lift.


    As they headed home, Ste couldn’t help but address Matthew’s unusual demeanor.


    “Why were you so off tonight?”


    Matthew was typically not one to stir trouble, yet his animosity toward Sanford was palpable.


    He didn’t offer her a straightforward reply but instead cautioned, “Try to Limit your interactions with Sanford moving forward.


    ”


    “Why?” Ste pressed, remembering her encounters with Sanford.


    “I don’t see anything objectionable about him.


    Perhaps you’re just overthinking things, right?”


    Matthew replied with measured logic, “The ties between me and ssicLuxe have always been confidential.


    Those within mypany circle are trusted allies, and a leak is impossible.


    If Sanford has unearthed such details, he was not merely someone in need of financial aid for his studies.


    ”


    Ste pondered this exnation.


    “He seems to have a good rtionship with Bet.


    Maybe Bet helped him? If Bet knows something, he will definitely tell him.


    ”


    Matthew said, “Remember, within ssicLuxe, I’m known as Tobin.


    Even Bet shouldn’t be privy to my real identity.


    ”


    This revtion made Ste pause, the pieces beginning to align ominously.


    No one should have known about Matthew’s connection to ssicLuxe unless they had deliberately dug for that information.


    Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, she nodded earnestly.


    “I’ll be more vignt.


    ”


    Curious still about one aspect, she inquired, “Then the advice he gave me about starting my brand… Did it seem off?”