Ronald''s sudden question sent a shiver down Ste''s spine, prompting an instinctive response from her lips, "Yes."


    The moment she spoke, she felt her body temperature rise, her cheeks burning hot.


    The man on the phone chuckled low, "Good girl."


    "Then, may I have hot wings night?"


    "Hmm?"


    Ungrateful girl, linking him with wanting hot wings?


    Ste carefully added, "It''s been a while since I''ve had one."


    Ever since she moved to Portis City, hot wings had be her favorite. Initially, it was the fiery, spicy sensation that briefly numbed her longing and pain for everything back in Ferrond. Over time, she grew to genuinely enjoy it.


    Back in Ferrond, Ronald always kept spicy foods away from her, fearing they''d upset her stomach.


    Having never really indulged before, she didn''t miss it, but once she acquired the taste, she was hooked.


    The man on the phone, hearing her pitiful tone, relented, "Alright, but you''re not going out for it. I''ll have the chef prepare it."


    This was a significant concession from Ronald, given his high standards for food quality. Ste had been under his care and been hospitalized twice as a child due to food-rted issues, so Ronald was particrly strict about her diet. As Ste heard Ronald''s agreement, her voice lightened instantly, "You''re the best, Ronald."


    "What about the Larkin family? How do you n to deal with them, Star?"


    Even though their assets were pittances, the Larkin family and their adopted daughter had caused Ste enough trouble over the years just for that. Ronald''s anger couldn''t simmer quietly if they weren''t punished.


    When Ste heard Ronald mention the people of the Larkin family, she could sense a hint of testing in his voice. After a moment of thought, she said, "Every minute they face me now is torture." That was the truth.


    Urs''s illness urgently needed the attention of Finley and Tegan, yet in their eyes, both of their consent was controlled by Ste, causing them endless agony.


    "Haven''t had enough of tormenting them?" Ronald probed.


    "There''s no need for me to torment them further."


    They were tormenting themselves enough.


    Plus, Ronald''s mention of taking away the Larkin family''s assets clearly meant they were already on target. Without a shred of doubt, the Larkin family was about to turn into aplete mess. Hearing Ste not utter a single word in defense of the Larkin family, Ronaldughed indulgently, "Good girl, I''ll have the chef prepare hot wings for you tonight." "Great."


    Yorick was seething.


    Every time he thought of Ste''s attitude towards him, he couldn''t stop lighting one cigarette after another as soon as he got into the car.


    Orion, catching glimpses of his mood in the rearview mirror, didn''t dare utter a word.


    Thesest few days, with the issues at Mist Bay, had been especially trying for them. Wave Residence had indeed be a source of endless frustration.


    The information was particrly


    hard toe by. Besides


    discovering that a fifty-eight-year-old man had handled the contract that day, they had nothing else to go on.


    en


    Where was this old man now? Who was he? They had no clues!


    Yorick took a deep drag from his cigarette.


    "Do you think she ever truly had feelings for me over the years?"


    Orion uttered, "What?"


    Yorick''s question was so unexpected; Orion waspletely confused about the point of him saying that.


    She? Was he talking about Ste? Was Ste''s potential affection for him that important?


    Yorick closed his eyes, an aura of darkness enveloping him, "It''s too cold."


    "Should I get you a nket?"


    Orion had misunderstood Yorick''s reference to Ste''s cold heart and her cold demeanor towards him, thinking he was physically cold instead. "Why do you think she agreed to our engagement?" Yorick asked.


    Orion was speechless for a moment, his breath hitching, finally grasping that Yorick was referring to Ste''s icy attitude.


    Indeed, Ste had always been distant towards him. Especially now that Urs was back, her coldness seemed even more pronounced.


    From her behavior, it was clear Ste had never truly fell for Yorick.


    Why, then, had she agreed to their engagement?


    Orion pondered for a moment, "Ms. Quinn might not be as simple as we think."


    His perspective differed from Yorick''s and the Larkin family''s. In his view, Ste''s sess in earning over seven hundred thousandst year with her studio was indicative of her significant abilities. If Ste were truly powerless, not even a hundred men behind her could have elevated her status.


    Hearing Orion''s thoughts, Yorick scoffed, "She''s definitely not simple, managing to bewitch so many men is a skill in itself."


    Orion was at a loss for words, finding it hard to reply.


    Was it merely her ability to enchant


    men? There were many women who


    could do that, yet not many could


    stand as tall as she did. He still believed there was more to Ste than just her allure to men.