After wrapping up his report on the Patel Group, Idris took a call. When he looked over, Finley was in the process of removing a splinter from Ste''s hand. Ste, petrified by the minor procedure, refused to watch. Ronald, ever so indulgent, covered her eyes to shield her from the sight. Despite his efforts, Ste couldn''t help but whimper in difort.


    "There, there, it''s all done now," Ronald soothed in a low whisper.


    "This is thest time, right?" Ste mumbled hopefully.


    "Don''t even think about it. You''ll need this treatment for at least a month, given your condition. Every three days, minimum," Finley interjected bluntly, showing no sympathy. Ste looked on the verge of tears.


    Ronald shot Finley a frosty re, signaling him to keep quiet.


    Finley met Ronald''s re with a shrug, undeterred. "I''m just being honest. She might as well prepare her mentally."


    "Does she need that from you?" Ronald challenged.


    Finley fell silent.


    So, Ronald was going to be this protective, huh? Did this mean Ronald nned to console Ste every time? Finley thought to himself as he finished up.


    Because if so, he was in for a long haul. Ste wasn''t exactly known for being easy tofort, and this whole ordeal was proving to be quite the time sink.


    Idris stepped forward. "Miss, ady with thest name Lawson has arrived, wishing to see you."


    Without needing further exnation, she knew it was Cloudia Lawson.


    But why was she here? Was it because the issues with the Larkin Group had finally been figured out?


    Impressive! Cloudia had outpaced Yorick in efficiency, who had been taking ages to investigate the owner of Wave Residence without any concrete results. Meanwhile, the Larkins had quickly gotten to the root of their current problems. Ronald exchanged a nce with Ste, then gently stroked her soft hair. "Do you want to see her?"


    Ste shook her head. "No."


    The disownment agreement was public knowledge; all of Portis City was aware that she and the Larkin family were no longer connected. Why keep any ties now? Ronald nodded in understanding and subtly gestured to Idris, who took the hint and quietly left to handle the situation.


    Watching Ronald''s doting gaze on Ste made Finley ufortable. He quickly packed up his things, eager to avoid ying third wheel any longer.


    Left alone, Ronald tenderly held Ste''s delicate hand. "Have they been bullying you?" he inquired, referring to Yorick and the entire Larkin family.


    "Not really," Ste replied. It wasn''t truly bullying if it was one-sided, and she certainly didn''t see herself as a victim.


    Ronald''s expression softened as he kissed her hand, a gesture that evoked warm memories from her childhood.


    Ste felt her body temperature rise


    at the touch, instinctively pulling her hand back. But before she could fully withdraw, Ronald released first, yfully flicking her nose to bring her back to the moment.


    "I''m not a child anymore," Ste protested, her cheeks flushing.


    "Indeed, you''ve grown into a youngdy," Ronald replied, his tone carrying an unusual hint of emotion at the term ''youngdy.'' "What would you like for dinner?" he asked, changing the subject.


    "Let''s try something local," Ste suggested without hesitation. She had heard rave reviews about Spring Hill''s smoked duck, a delicacy marinated with spices and smoked over cherry wood chips.


    "I''ve heard their cherry-smoked duck is excellent," she added, her interest piqued The dish was a popr


    corporate gift during the holidays, and she was eager to try it herself.


    "Alright," Ronald agreed, happy to indulge her wishes.


    Meanwhile, Cloudia, who was facing the same man who had previously confronted Jaxon, was seething with anger.


    Under normal circumstances, she would have alreadyshed out, but today was different.