"But I''m still mad."


    "Yes, yes. Our poor Miss Star sure had a rough time out there," Mabel said, her voice full of sympathy.


    Lottie said, "Exactly. Thank goodness that sharp little mind of hers didn''t fall for any of those knuckleheads outside. She''s got quite the discerning eye."


    Mabel agreed, "Of course! Ronald''s been treating Star like a treasure all these years. No way she''d be interested in anyone else."


    Hearing this, Lottie seemed to rx a bit.


    "Ronald''s effort wasn''t in vain after all," she added.


    They were chatting away in the familiar Ferrondnguage.


    On the way back, Ste had been worried about how to face Lottie regarding her situation with Ronald. But the conversation between Lottie and Mabel made her worries vanish.


    Ronald nced at her. "Feeling less nervous now?"


    Ste nodded. "Yeah, much better."


    With Lottie''s words in mind, what was there to worry about? All she needed to do was apologize and be a bit humble.


    This was the Quinn family-Ste''s vision of home. Ever since she was little, no matter what mistakes she made, she believed everything could be fixed with a sincere apology.


    It was unlike the Larkin family in Portis City, where everything was soplicated. At first, Ste was baffled by their convoluted ways, but she eventually realized that their concept of family was... quite different.


    Lottie and Mabel continued chatting, "Will Star like this? What about this one?"


    After being apart for years, Lottie was anxious, consulting Mabel on everything, worried that Ste might not like any of it.


    Before Mabel could respond, Ste''s voice sounded, "I love them all."


    Lottie was facing away from the door. Upon hearing Ste''s voice, her body stiffened slightly.


    Ste expected her to turn around instantly, and she was ready to run into her arms. But the anticipated warm wee didn''te.


    Lottie remained with her back to


    Ste, and a pang of anxiety hit


    Ste again. Then, she noticed


    Lottie''s


    shoulders were shaking.


    helongs to


    Ste''s heart clenched. She stepped forward slowly. "Mom."


    Lottie still didn''t turn around. As Ste drew nearer, she could see more clearly how Lottie''s shoulders trembled.


    This time, Ste didn''t hesitate. She closed the distance in a few strides, wrapping her arms around Lottie from behind.


    "Mom, I''m back." Her voice was soft, tugging at the heartstrings.


    Lottie turned around then, pulling Ste into a tight embrace. "You little brat! Do I have to send someone to


    the way?" Content boot


    offe


    fetch you home because you forgot way?"


    There was a hint of reproach in her voice.


    Lottie was tall And Ronald had perfectly inherited her and Mr. Quinn''s excellent genes. So, Ste always felt small in front of Ronald and s with Lottie. She was a little taller than before, reaching up to Lottie''s neck this time.


    Hearing Lottie''s gentle chiding, Ste nuzzled against her neck. "Please don''t be


    mad, Mom. It''s my fault."


    "Hmph, I''m not forgiving you if you don''t exin everything today."


    Ste was stunned.


    Lottie continued, "And did you call someone else ''Mom''?"


    Ste''s lips twitched.


    Someone else? Did she mean Cloudia?


    "I swear, I didn''t."