Just grabbing a bite at the dining room wasn''t exactly aiming to step into Ste''s shoes, but to think how he had reacted. "The Larkins got in touch with me, saying they needed my help to treat Urs. Offered a pretty penny for the house call."


    Finley was already in the loop; Ste was the Larkins'' flesh and blood. After being reunited with her biological parents, her life over these two years should have made them feel more reassured. Turned out, digging a little deeper revealed the Larkins were far from good. Even if fostering and biological ties couldn''t mesh well, surely the biological connection shouldn''t be the one to sever? But the Larkins? Oh, they were something else.


    Ste hadn''t spent a day with the Larkins in the past two years. Just goes to show, bringing her back didn''t mean they treated her any better.


    "Just handle it as Star would want. And make sure youy it out clear for them."


    Finley''s eyebrows twitched, "You know how your sister is. Laying it out ''clear'' might just drive those folks to despair."


    Better to say he was not avable for house calls than to say it was all up to Ste. After all, Ste''s wishes were far harsher than his refusal to show!


    A cold smile yed on Ronald''s lips, "They''ve been pushing Star around these past years. Time they learned that pridees before a fall." Finley was at loss for words.


    Pride came before a fall? Hearing that from Ronald was something else.


    Who else in Ferrond could outmatch Ronald''s bravado? He imed second ce, and no one dared im first!


    "Okay, got it."


    He want them in despair, huh?


    No problem!


    **


    Cloudia got a call from Finley''s assistant, spelling it out for her.


    "Whether Professor Yoder makes a house call depends on Ms. Quinn''s wishes."


    "What?" Cloudia was floored.


    With Ste hot putting in a word, she


    thought reaching out to Finley directly might bypass any issues. Thought there might be a glimmer of hope avoiding Ste.


    But the response she got crushed that hope. ording to his words, seemed like Finley and Ste were tight.


    "Why should it depend on her?


    Professor Yoder''s skill is


    unparalleled; he saves lives. Wo


    would he need anyone else''s approval?"


    Cloudia was on the verge of a breakdown. Saying it was up to Ste was like telling her to brace for Urs''s demise.


    Ste wouldn''t lift a finger for Urs, her stance too rigid, leaving no room for hope.


    "Mrs. Larkin, I''ve ryed Professor Yoder''s stance. Maybe try reaching out to Ms. Quinn."


    With that, the call ended abruptly.


    Cloudia was beside herself with frustration! Trembling, she turned to Jaxon, "Finley and Ste are close."


    Jaxon''s expression was equally sour.


    "How many of these folks does Ste know?"


    Each one of them was a heavyweight, and she was acquainted with them?


    "C-Call Rick. You, call Yorick," Cloudia said, shaking.


    Just the thought of it depending on е Ste''s whim was driving her insane. Why did it have to hinge on Ste?


    What was she to these


    Imogen had warned Cloudia justst night. But with no other choice, Jaxon ended up calling Yorick.


    And Yorick, at that moment, was right outside Ste''s studio.


    Hearing Jaxon out, disbelief filled his eyes.


    "Finley''s really that close to her?"


    "Absolutely. We''ve got word that whether Finley treats Urs boils down to Ste''s say."