Lindsay, unable to defend herself, simply covered her cheek, bowed her head, and sobbed quietly.


    Ste, feeling a pang of sympathy for Lucia, couldn’t help but ask, “Lindsay, don’t you feel any guilt when you face Lucia?”


    But Lindsay continued to cry, putting on a show of victimhood.


    Ste was convinced that Lindsay was beyond redemption.


    Her eyes fell on the water stains marring Lindsay’s dress, and recalling Lindsay’s earlier words, Ste understood immediately.


    Turning to Matthew, she spoke with measured calm.


    “I didn’t instruct anyone to warn or intimidate Lindsay, nor have I damaged the rk family’s reputation in any way.


    Sanford was a student funded by my father and a friend of Bet.


    His rtionship with me is akin to Lindsay’s with your family.


    ” 2


    A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y


    Having made her point, Ste pulled her wrist from his grip, turned on her heel, and walked away, ignoring his reaction.


    Matthew’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure for a long while.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    As Ste continued down the street, she spotted Fernando driving by.


    She kept her gaze forward and walked straight ahead.


    Upon reaching the corner, she nced back quietly.


    However, neither Matthew nor Lindsay remained where they had been.


    With a heavy heart, Ste leaned slowly against the wall and took several deep breaths, trying to steady herself.


    After leaving the party, Matthew took Lindsay to a shopping mall to pick out a new dress.


    When she emerged in her new outfit, she nced at Matthew with hopeful eyes and asked, “Matthew, how do I look?”


    Matthew nodded curtly.


    “Let’s go with this one.


    ”


    He then proceeded to the cashier with an air of impatience, paying for the dress without another word.


    Lindsay’s spirits sank as she felt a growing unease.


    After the transaction, Matthew said tly, “I’ll have Fernando take you home.


    ”


    Lindsay was taken aback.


    “Now?”


    Matthew exined, “Dr.


    Watts’ flight has been canceled.


    He won’t being tonight.


    ”


    Lindsay clenched her fists, barely noticing the sharp sting of her nails digging into her palms.


    She hesitated before asking, “What about you? Are you going back to the charity party?”


    Matthew’s expression remained unchanged.


    “The party isn’t over yet.


    I should return.


    ”


    Anxiety surged within her, prompting an impulsive question.


    “Are you going back for Ste?”


    As soon as the words left her lips, she realized her mistake.


    Quickly, she attempted to rify, her feigned concern for Ste evident.


    “I mean, she was with that manst night.


    Who knows what he’s up to?”