When Ste heard Susanna''s voice, she lifted her head. "Huh?"


    "Oh, just go back. Everything''s fine here," Susanna insisted.


    Ste couldn''t believe her ears. Wasn''t this the same person who had been calling her multiple times a day, crying her eyes out? And now she was saying everything was fine?


    "Did Hull threaten you?" Ste asked, her voiceced with concern.


    "What? No, it''s not that. I can''t really exin it right now, but you should head back," Susanna replied, sounding a bit flustered.


    "I''ll call you if anything happens, okay? Now go on, shoo!" Susanna added, trying to sound reassuring.


    Ste was still in disbelief. Was this really the same Susie who had sobbed on the phone, begging Ste to return and take her away? And now she was telling her to leave?


    As Susanna turned to walk away, Ste called out, "Wait."


    Susanna turned back, looking a bit puzzled.


    "Are you sure you don''t want toe with me?" Ste asked again.


    Susanna nodded firmly. "Yeah, I''m sure."


    Ste was baffled. "So Hull isn''t threatening you?"


    Susanna shook her head. "Nope."


    Ste was at a loss for words. This was quite the turnaround. Just moments ago, Susanna clung to her, crying and pleading not to be left behind.


    Susanna rubbed her hands together nervously. "Just go back for now, okay?"


    Her tone was resolute, even if her eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty.


    Ste didn''t believe her, but Susanna didn''t say a word, nor would she leave with her.


    As Susanna started to head back to Hull''s ro


    Ste


    oppe her


    ain, "Wait."


    Susanna turned again, her patience wearing thin.


    "Listen, from now on, don''t get involved with anything rted to Hull. Just... do nothing, okay?"


    Susanna hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."


    "I mean it, Susie. Don''t lift a finger. Not even to pour a ss of water," Ste insisted.


    Susanna''s lips twitched in a wry smile, then she nodded more vigorously. "Got it."


    Ste was right, after all. There was no need to be overly helpful or involved. Just because Hull had helped her out once in Portis City didn''t mean she had to y housekeeper. There were plenty of ways to repay kindness without overextending herself.


    With that, Susanna returned to Hull''s room.


    Ronald took Ste''s hand. "Let''s go."


    After that, he gently pulled her toward the door.


    Ste mumbled, "Do you think Hull threatened Susie? I mean, did he?"


    Ronald turned to her with a soft, affectionate smile. "With you here, who would dare threaten her?"


    Ste paused, considering. "True. Even if it''s Hull himself, he''d have to show some respect."


    But something wasn''t adding up. "When I told Hull I was taking Susie, he t out refused."


    Ronald led Ste out of the house and into their car, not bothering to answer her question further. Instead, he pulled her into hisp as they settled into the back seat


    "Hey, what are you doing? Let me sit by myself," Ste protested, squirming a bit.


    Ronald brushed off herint with a gentle chuckle. "The medical team is


    ready. We''ll do a check-up first, okay?"


    Ste nced down. "But I''m hungry."


    It was already midday. Ste had nned to pick up Susanna and head straight back to the Quinn family, but things hadn''t gone as nned, and she hadn''t even had a


    bite to eat.


    Hearing the intive tone in her voice, Ronaldughed. "Fine, let''s eat first."


    "Home-cooked meal?" she asked.


    "Yeah, home-cooked," Ronald confirmed.


    They were close enough now, and homemade food sounded just perfect.


    Their car glided smoothly along the familiar road. As they drove past the palm trees lining the street, even the scent in the air felt nostalgically familiar.


    Half an hourter, they reached a hill on the city''s outskirts. As they wound their


    way up, the entire skyline of Ferrond came into view.


    It was Ste''s favorite spot whenever she went out, especially at night when the


    city lights spread out below like a twinkling nket.


    Leaning against the car window, Ste felt Ronald wrap his arms around her again.


    "What are you daydreaming about?" he teased.


    "I''m nning where to eat over the next few days," she retorted with a yful grin.


    "Ha!" Ronaldughed softly, indulging her. Her appetite had returned now that they were back.


    "You little rascal. If we find out you''re pregnant, you won''t be able to eat out all the time," Ronald chided gently, nting a kiss on the back of her neck.


    The touch tickled, and Ste squirmed, ending up nestled against Ronald''s chest. Their eyes met, and Ste''s gaze was so tender it made Ronald''s heart melt. He leaned in, capturing her lips with his own.


    Ste clung to his shirt, feeling a bit flustered. "Stop..."