The Two Sides of Ste


    As my mother and Lauren exited the room, As sat beside me. He seemed to be carefully choosing


    his


    words


    Inside, I felt conflicted, a sense of injustice simmering in a corner of my heart. Seeing Ste, still radiant


    and carefree didn’t sit right with me.


    From the moment this woman entered my view, I could sense her subtle schemes against me. Even


    that first dinner together felt calcted, How could I possibly stay calm?


    Besides that, I had a persistent feeling of being trapped, which was probably connected to her.


    Otherwise, As wouldn’t have let the matter rest without investigating.


    As soon as As sat down, he held my hand.


    “Don’t let Ste bother you. I know what’s going on.”


    “How exactly did you know?” I spoke candidly. We had reached a point where there was no need to


    pretend nothing had happened.


    As’s intense gaze remained fixed on my face, his attractive features distracting me for a moment. I


    didn’t want to press him further. I understood that his perspective required careful maneuvering.


    Moreover, no matter the angle, Ste had familial ties to him. I was nothing.


    His scrutiny made me feel uneasy.


    I forced a smile and said, “I’m not being dramatic. It’s just her actions… I know she’s your cousin, and I


    don’t want to…”


    He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it while still looking at me.


    “To be precise, she has no real connection to me. You, on the other hand…”


    As’s words instantly dispelled the pent–up frustration in my heart. I had to admit, As was a man I


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    found irresistibly captivating.


    “Because, in a certain way, she holds value. Her presence isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Many


    threads converge on her,” As stated solemnly, a side he had never revealed.


    You mean the ne crash?” I asked.


    It’s more than that.. As’s eyes darkened, a glint of coldness shining through. “She’s not the real


    Ste.


    As’s revtion left me in shock. You mean…she’s not really Ste?”


    A sudden sense of rity washed over me. I had harbored suspicions like these when I had Grayson


    look into it, but I never dared to confirm them without concrete evidence.


    It seemed As had uncovered more than I had. I recounted her actions, especially her behavior


    leading up to my abduction and after I was saved.


    His hand gently rested on my forehead, smoothing down my hair. He spoke softly, “I’m sorry you had to


    go through this.”


    “I know you have your reasons for doing things. But she’s been too brazen, from my kidnapping, to


    your birthday, and even the perfume…”


    I couldn’t continue.


    Truthfully, I knew that even without my exnation, As would understand what I wanted to say next.


    Do y


    you know what Celine discussed with me when we agreed to meet?” As looked at me, his deep eyes


    shing with a hint of mystery. “She’s working with Atticus now. I can only y along for now.”


    “Atticus?”


    I was somewhat surprised.


    “Yes, Atticus found the mortgage contract you took on, which Celine’s people actually orchestrated. He


    has reasons for not involving Echelon Group.” As exined cryptically.


    “You know all this?” I was genuinely speechless. What else did As know?


    “Just recuperate here. I might have to leave Foswood for a few days. Once you’re feeling better, I’ll go.


    So, promise me you’ll take care of yourself!” He squeezed my hand.


    “Where are you going?” I couldn’t help but ask.


    “Jitador,” he admitted without hesitation.


    Jitador?”


    Suddenly, I remembered how much Harmony was desperate to go to Jitador. Could it be rted to


    him?