Ste was silent, her mind churning as Yorick mentioned the Larkin and Quarry families. It hit her then - Urs''s mess was probably Ronald''s doing too.


    Wait a minute. Ronald had seemed peeved when she mentioned her car ident.


    Ste couldn''t hold back her sarcasm. "Wow, Yorick, still got the nerve to be snippy with me, huh? Color me impressed."


    He knew full well the drama involved her, yet here he was, adopting that tone over the phone.


    Ste retorted, "Just a friendly reminder, pal. Urs cost me a lot two years back. And you know, I''ve got this w where if someone owes me, I''m notfy until I see some interest on that debt." Her words made it sound like she was the bully.


    So, when they were pushing her around, they were the saints?


    Ste snorted, adding, "Twice the cost seems fair to me."


    That set Yorick off. "Ste," he bellowed, anger vibrating through each syble.


    But before he could continue, Ste hung up.


    So it''s Ronald''s doing? Not hers to worry about. Urs''s mess was her own fault.


    Ste had been ready to overlook Urs''s supposed ailments, as per Tegan James'' ount. But she didn''t expect Ronald to...


    Thinking about how Ronald had always had her back, a warm feeling spread through her, despite not knowing where this situation would lead them.


    ...


    Ste felt weak, barely able to muster the strength to stand, her forehead burning with fever.


    Attempting to get up for some water, her legs gave way, and she copsed onto the floor. The pain was searing, making it hard to even think about getting back up. When Ronald entered, he found Ste crumpled on the ground, unable to rise.


    Hearing the door, Ste looked up, her eyes pitiful. "Ronald..."


    Ronald, still in his overcoat with snowkes clinging to his shoulders and hair, had clearly juste in from outside.


    He rushed over, scooping Ste up from the floor. "What happened, huh?"


    Ste burst into tears. "It hurts... I feel so weak."


    The pain and weakness were new to her.


    Ronald, holding her, immediately felt


    her unusual body heat. Heid her back on the bed, checking her, forehead, which was indeed &


    up.


    Ten minutester, Finley was summoned.


    Ste''s temperature had soared to 102 degrees. "How did it get this high? Are you hurt?"


    Ste


    Churid Mentioning her s flushing in


    her tense up, her.


    swnol


    The injury was, indeed, in a rather awkward ce.


    Seeing Ste''s silence, Finley pressed, "Are you hurt or not?"


    His impatience was palpable, especially since he felt Ste had caused trouble for Ronald.


    Ste swallowed hard, nodding slightly. "Yes, but I''m not entirely sure."


    It seemed like an injury, and it was quite painful.


    Ronald and Finley exchanged nces, both looking at her intently.


    Especially Ronald, whose piercing gaze felt as if it could see right through her.


    Ronald then told Finley, "Step out for a moment."


    "Huh?" Finley was puzzled.


    Why? He was the doctor here. What could possibly be so secret?


    But catching Ronald''s look, Finley decided not to push it and left without further questions.


    With just Ste and Ronald left, he moved to sit by the bed, reaching to lift the nket. "Let me see,


    Ste was baffled.


    See what?


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