At the dining table, Lucia ced a generous helping of food onto Ste’s te and asked, “So, how long is Matthew going to be away this time?”


    Ste answered with honesty, “He was nning to be back in three days, but things got a bitplicated.


    He’s aiming to return by the weekend.


    ”


    Lucia nodded.


    “If you’d rather not stay alone, you know you’re wee to stay here for a few days,” she said, her voice warm and inviting.


    Ste shook her head with a gentle smile.


    “Thanks, but Matthew checks in every day, and I’ve got my hands full with setting up the new brand.


    It’s just easier to stay in Prosper Bay for now.


    ”


    Lucia sighed, her concern evident.


    “Just promise me you’ll drop by for meals more often, okay? I worry you might get so busy that you forget to take care of yourself.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ”


    A pleasant warmth filled Ste’s heart, and she gave a soft smile.


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    “Don’t worry,” she said.


    “I’lle by whenever I can.


    ”


    Her words were still hanging in the air when her phone buzzed on the table.


    Lucia’s eyes flickered with curiosity.


    “Is that Matthew?” she asked, her voice eager.


    Ste also thought it was Matthew.


    She grabbed her phone, only to see Miley’s name shing on the screen.


    Her brow furrowed, confusion washing over her.


    Why would Miley be calling at this time?


    She turned to Lucia with a calm smile.


    “No, it’s a friend of mine,” she exined.


    “Go ahead and enjoy your dinner.


    I’ll just step outside to take this.


    ”


    Ste stood up, walking to a quieter spot away from the table.


    “Miley, what’s going on?” she asked, confused.


    Miley’s voice came through the phone, tight and shaky with fear.


    “Ste, it’s about Matthew.


    Something might have happened to him.


    ”


    Ste’s smile faltered, freezing in ce as a high-pitched ringing filled her ears.


    It was as if the world around her had gonepletely silent as she fell into a disorienting trance.


    Her body stiffened, rigid as a brittle branch in winter.


    For what felt like an eternity, she struggled to find her voice.


    “What… what did you say?” she managed to ask in a voice barely above a whisper.


    “Who’s in trouble?”


    Miley could almost feel the shock and dread coursing through Ste’s veins at that moment.


    She inhaled deeply before speaking, her voice gentle but deliberate.


    “Ste, stay calm and listen to me.


    I just had dinner with Neville, and we saw a news report about a shooting incident in Sothrea, near the Kensea Investment Building.


    ”


    The blood drained from Ste’s face, her hand gripping the phone trembling uncontrobly.


    Trying hard to conceal the anxiety in her voice, Miley continued, “Neville tried to reach Matthew as soon as he saw the news, but… there was no response.


    The report said three people were killed at the scene.


    ”


    Try as she might, the panic still seeped into her tone.


    Ste’s mind wentpletely nk.


    How could this be happening?