Ste''sughter was tinged with sarcasm. "Oh, please, don''t pretend it''s nothing major." Her sharp words, dripping with irony, hit like daggers.


    "Stop babbling. Just admit it- are you the one stirring up trouble for the Larkin Group?"


    Cloudia was done arguing with Ste; every exchange left her fuming.


    She had to admit, Ste''s tongue was lethal, reminiscent of a no-nonsense country girl.


    Ste teased, "Why don''t you guess?"


    Cloudia seethed. "You..."


    But Ste cut her off. "We''re done here. Stop calling me over every little thing. People might think you miss me or something."


    Cloudia felt her blood pressure spike, but before she could retort, the call was abruptly ended. It was always like this with Ste, Cloudia never managed to gain the upper hand. She couldn''t help but wonder who had taught Ste to wield her words so fiercely.


    ...


    At the studio, Ronald arrived just in time to see Ste limping toward the elevator.


    Without a word, he strode over and effortlessly scooped her into his arms.


    And because of it, the office crowd collectively sighed, charmed by the romantic gesture.


    Ste clung to Ronald''s neck. "What are you doing? Put me down. I can walk just fine."


    The weather in Portis City had been dreadfultely, making her days particrly challenging.


    Ronald ignored her protests, carrying her into the elevator.


    ...


    Inside the office.


    A young designer whispered to Tabitha, "The boss''s brother is such a dreamboat. That aloof charm, ugh, absolutely irresistible!"


    Tabitha rolled her eyes. "Dream on."


    "What''s wrong with a little fantasy? It''s not like I can have him."


    Tabitha shot back, "Be careful or the boss will have your head!"


    Ronald ced Ste in the car, covering her with a nket even though the car was already warm. Ste always struggled with the changing weather. "Why didn''t you say it hurts?" Ronald asked.


    Ste replied, "I''m used to it."


    Ronald paused while adjusting the nket, a grim look briefly crossing his face before he shifted the topic. "Have you been keeping up with the acupuncture?" Ste avoided his gaze. "Well, you know, it hurts."


    Though the pain was bearable, her deep-seated phobia of needles had always held her back. Winters in Portis City only made things worse.


    Ronald instructed Idris, "Ask Finley to bring the supplies."


    Ste''s heart skipped a beat.


    "Ronald."


    "Be good."


    Ronald''s tone was gentle, having an excellent calming effect on Ste.


    But she was genuinely terrified of injections, of any needle, in fact. It was because one of the women in the group that had kidnapped her years ago took pleasure in stabbing people with needles. Idris called Finley, then took another call.


    "Mr. Patel is on his way to Spring Hill," he informed Ronald.


    Today was the day they were supposed to go over the contract. Jeremy had no choice but to follow Ronald''s schedule.


    Ronald hummed in acknowledgment, then said, "You and Yates handle it."


    "Got it," Idris nodded.


    By the time they arrived at Spring Hill, it was nearly noon.


    As Ronald moved to carry her again, Ste caught his hand. "I can walk."


    "Oh? Grown up now and don''t want to be carried?" Ronald teased.


    Ste was speechless.


    Did he finally realize she had grown up?


    Indeed, she had, and it wasn''t fitting to be carried anymore.


    Seeing her dazed expression, Ronald chuckled softly and effortlessly lifted her, striding towards the wooden building.