Who Dares?


    ATL Empire still seemed in trouble, and I wondered what was happening. The traffic light turned green,


    and I continued driving. “I’m almost home.”


    Ste’s voice sounded a bit moody as she said, “Come on. I have no friends here, and I need someone


    to


    N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    talk to.”


    “Then wait for me at the coffeehouse across the office building.” I nced at the kindergarten, turned


    the


    car around, and headed back.


    At the coffeehouse, Ste was nowhere to be found. I was about to call her when she entered with a


    smile, looking pretty as ever. She set a small paper bag in front of me. “It’s for you.”


    I gave her and the bag a puzzled look. “What is it?”


    “It’s from thetest YSL collection. I just got it,‘ she said.


    I knew the lipstick was quite expensive. “I rarely wear makeup. You should keep it for yourself.”


    “I ordered it just for you.” She nced at me. “And you gave me a treat, didn’t you? Consider it my way


    of


    saying thanks. Just take it.”


    “Well, thank you then,” I replied, not wanting to make a fuss over it.


    As she sat down, Ste suddenly said, “You had a rough night, huh? What’s with the dark circles?”


    I rubbed my eyes and smiled sheepishly. “I had a drink with friendsst night and got homete. Do I


    look


    that bad?”


    “Of course you do!” She seemed concerned. “Staying upte is a big no–no. It ages the skin quickly!”


    “I’m a single mom. I don’t care about that.”


    Despite what I said, I felt self–conscious seeing Ste’s beautiful face. Even Ivanna had reminded me


    several times to take care of my looks.


    We ordered drinks and chatted until Ste shifted the conversation to her family.


    “I miss the Nocturnia sunshine,” she sighed, looking out the window and reclining on the sofa. “I


    wonder


    when I can go back.


    over b


    been forced to do thing


    your will? Sitting up, she looked at me. That’s what I’m


    “Who would dare pressure you into it?” I sipped my coffee, though I already had more than enough


    caffeine that day.


    She shook her head helplessly. “I suppose you’ve never experienced it, have you? Even As couldn’t


    do


    anything about it, let alone me.”


    “What do you mean?” I knew she was trying to tell me something.


    Sometimes, it felt like she enjoyed keeping me in suspense.


    I pretended to be aloof and added, “ATL Empire is a


    kelompany and


    financially strong. Who’d dare.


    push you guys around? It’s not like small business owners like me who struggle just to survive.”


    As if testing my indifference, she examined my face. She admitted, “Things are moreplicated than


    you think. I and As have little control over many family matters. Especially marriage.”


    I was stunned as I stared at her.


    She giggled at my reaction and continued, “Didn’t see that oneing, did you? Well, my mother


    needed.


    to ensure our assets stayed within the family. She’s not just going to give ATL Empire away.”


    My heart raced. Did she just say what I think she did?


    “Do you mean… you and Mr. As are expected to marry each other? Are you engaged?” I quickly set.


    down the cup as my hand shook slightly.


    She shrugged and smiled. “It’s no secret in my family. I guess that’s why my mom adopted me back


    then.”


    She kept her gaze on me, wearing a radiant smile. It seemed she wanted me to know this.