Sanford’s jaw clenched.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Irritation rippled beneath his cool demeanor.


    “Ste can make her own choices.


    She isn’t someone to be ordered around.


    ”


    Both men turned expectantly to her.


    The party had just wrapped up, with guests filing out of the entrance.


    Curious onlookers cast furtive nces their way.


    Some bolder souls whispered among themselves.


    “What’s going on?” one murmured.


    “Looks like Ste’s caught the attention of two powerful men.


    ”


    “You shouldn’t say that.


    You don’t want to upset either of these guys.


    ”


    Already in a pickle, Ste grew increasingly ufortable as the murmurs reached her ears.


    Matthew, however, seemed oblivious to the chatter.


    His unwavering gaze bored into her, as if he’d stand there till she agreed toe home with him.


    Feeling caught between a rock and a hard ce, Ste wanted to nip any further gossip in the bud.


    Besides, Matthew had just escorted Lindsay home, and now he was back, insisting on taking her home.


    How would that look to everyone?


    Her expression frosted over as she turned to him.


    “That won’t be necessary.


    Sanford’s got it covered.


    Carry on with your evening.


    ”


    Without waiting for his response, she turned and moved toward Sanford’s car.


    A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y


    Matthew instinctively moved to intervene, but suddenly, a splitting headache struck him like a bolt from the blue.


    He winced, clutching his temples, his face a mask of agony.


    Fragmented images shed through his mind, even hazier than before, causing him immense difort.


    Ste, about to depart, caught Matthew’s distress from the corner of her eye.


    She recalled his previous episode in the office and couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern.


    She turned back, noticing his increasingly ashen face.


    Worry gnawed at her as she inquired, “What’s wrong? Are you alright?”


    Sanford, who had watched the whole scene with growing irritation, sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.


    “Really, Mr.


    rk? Is ying the victim your new tactic now?”


    Matthew disregarded Sanford.


    As the pain etched deeper into Matthew’s features, Ste’s anxiety surged.


    She moved closer and softly inquired, “Do you have a headache again?”


    He nodded, and then instinctively let his forehead rest against her shoulder.


    In a moment of rare vulnerability, he murmured, “Let me lean on you for a while.


    ”


    A wave of tenderness mixed with concern washed over Ste.


    rmed by his condition, she dered, “I’ll take you to the hospital.


    ”