With a bitter smile andposed resolve, she responded, “I have the right to choose my friends.


    Sanford is a business associate.


    Our interactions are professional and transparent.


    Why should I be forbidden from speaking to him?”


    As Ste remained unmoved by either persuasion or pressure, Matthew’s frown deepened, a flicker of anger shadowing his expression.


    But Ste, unfazed, continued, “Lindsay saved your life.


    Whenever she’s unwell, you rush to her side.


    Have I ever objected? Can’t you see it from my perspective?”


    A slight change flickered in Matthew’s expression, his frown deepening.


    “That’s different.”


    Finding his response increasingly absurd, Ste scoffed and demanded, “What makes it any different? Aren’t you and Lindsay of the opposite sex? Haven’t you spent time alone with her? Haven’t you been with her behind closed doors when I wasn’t around?”


    Matthew had no answer.


    Ste exhaled, wiping her tears roughly, and spoke slowly, her words sharp and deliberate.


    “So please, calm down.


    The man you’ve be since losing your memory is a stranger to me.


    This isn’t the Matthew I fell in love with.”Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    After speaking, Ste disregarded Matthew and returned to the table.


    At the table, Be and Sanford sat opposite each other, the air heavy with tension as they ate uneasily, asionally exchanging awkward smiles.


    Upon Ste’s return, Be let out a sigh of relief, though her face fell when she noticed Ste was alone.


    Ste quietly took her seat next to her mother, not saying much.


    Sanford, seemingly anticipating that Matthew wouldn’t apany Ste back, merely smiled at her and suggested, “Let’s eat before the food gets cold.”


    Ste nodded slightly in acknowledgment.


    Be nced at Ste, wanting to inquire about her conversation with Matthew but hesitated in Sanford’s presence.


    Deciding it was inappropriate to ask in front of him, she chose to let the matter go.


    Ste noticed her mother’s concern and offered a reassuring smile.


    Mother and daughter exchanged a knowing look, their silentmunication perfect.


    The atmosphere at the table softened.


    During the meal, Sanford engaged Ste in a conversation about work, discussing the uing brandunch event and important details to keep in mind.


    Though the meal began with tension, it concluded smoothly without any major incidents.


    After they finished, the trio left the restaurant together.


    Anticipating that Sanford might offer to drive her home, Ste quickly interjected before he could speak, “You go ahead if you have things to do.


    I’ll take my mom home first.”


    Sanford understood and did not press further.


    He simply nodded and cautioned, “Be safe on your way back.”


    Ste gave a polite smile and took Be by the arm.


    Then, they both got into the car.