The rhetorical question hung heavily in the air, its answer obvious to both women.


    Had Matthew retained his memories, he would never have considered leaving Ste.


    Aware of this, Lindsay hastened to secure her position before the unpredictable tide of Matthew’s memory could turn.


    Yet, she faced Ste with undiminished confidence, dering, “That merely proves that even fate sides with me, doesn’t it? I saved Matthew.


    How then did he still lose his memory, and specifically forget his love for you?”


    Ste’splexion nched at the insinuation.


    Lindsay’s smile widened, her satisfaction palpable as she observed Ste’s difort.


    “Some things are destined.


    Your marriage to Matthew was a mere mishap ~an anomaly that you must relinquish.


    When he first joined the rk family, I was the one by his side during those trying times.


    It is he and I who are truly meant to weather any storm together.


    ”


    When Ste locked gazes with Lindsay’s challenging stare, an unexpected calm washed over her.


    She regarded Lindsay with a dismissive air, each word deliberate and clear.


    “Matthew and I have weathered storms together, braving life-or-death challenges.


    We fell in love and vowed to stand by each other through the ages.


    I trust in the strength of our bond.


    ”


    She paused, her voice steady as she continued, “As for you, cast aside by your birth parents and taken in by the rks, remember to be thankful.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Lucia nurtured you without ever demanding repayment.


    So, I implore you, hold on to your conscience.


    Do not disrupt the rk household or shatter Lucia’s and Waldo’s hearts, especially before Matthew regains his memories.


    ”


    AngsLibrary


    Chastened, Lindsay bit back her humiliation.


    Her voice thick with resentment, Lindsay spat out, “Indeed, you’re a true spin doctor, so adept with your words.


    ”


    With a slight curl of her lips, Ste advised, “I hope you won’t demean yourself by seeking me out again.


    ”


    Realizing she was no match in this verbal sparring, Lindsay nced at her watch with exaggerated nonchnce.


    “What does it matter if you have the upper hand now? To Matthew, I am indispensable.


    I must get ready for a dinner engagement with him this evening.


    ”


    With a defiant toss of her head, she added, “I’ll make time to visit your studio.


    ”


    She maneuvered her wheelchair to leave, but not before grabbing the bouquet she had brought and disdainfully tossing it into the trash.


    “The flowers sh with your office decor.


    They don’t belong here.


    ”


    Ste maintained herposure, her smile unwavering until Lindsay exited.


    Once the office door clicked shut, she slumped into her chair, drained of all vigor.


    A solitary thought haunted her as she sat there defeated:


    Matthew was attending a banquet tonight and Lindsay was his date.


    How would he present her to the gathered crowd? Was he ready to let all of Seamarsh witness the cracks in their marriage?


    Ste steeled herself.


    She couldn’t afford to sit idly by.


    Ste had resolved to enlist Doreen’s help to uncover details about the evening’s event.


    However, before she could summon her, Doreen knocked and entered without preamble.


    “Ste, Mr.


    Quimby is here to see you.


    He’s waiting outside.


    ”