bChapter /bb183 /b

Ste nodded.

Jordan said, “About your recent business trip, I’ve asked the police to keep an eye out. As soon as there’s any news, they’ll let us know bright /baway.”

“Okay.” Ste didn’t really need the police to find out; she already knew who was behind it. She just needed some evidence to take them down. “Don’t worry about me. If anyone dares to mess with me, I’ll make sure to retaliate.”

Jordan nodded. Of course, he was still worried because Anna and her crew were truly relentless. But he had already arranged for a few people to protect Ste in secret.

The next morning, as Jordan was leaving, he quietly opened Ste’s bedroom door. He knew it was kind of rude, but he couldn’t help himself; he wanted to take a look.

During their time together, he realized that he felt more love for her than he had ever expected.

He watched her sleep, admiring her peaceful expression. He couldn’t imagine how she had managed to live in that Dusty Pines, wondering if she was often cold at night.

Every time he thought about that, Jordan reminded himself not to let Ste suffer any more.

He really should just leave, but seeing her made him want to steal a kiss. He thought, ‘Just one kiss, gently.’

Jordan leaned closer to Ste, preparing to nt a soft kiss on her lips. To his surprise, Ste initiated the kiss herself, giving him a long,

warm kiss.

When she finally pulled away, they were inches apart.

Jordan gazed at her. “You know, doing this makes it really hard for me to leave you.”

Ste was still a bit dazed. “Who told you to sneak in here and try to steal a kiss?”

Jordan asked, “Did you know I wasing in the moment I did? Did I wake you up?”

Ste replied, “No, I set my rm. I knew you wouldn’t let me see you off, but I wanted to know what time you were leaving. Even if you didn’te to peek at me, I’d still peek at you.”

Jordan felt his heart melt. “I really don’t want to leave.”

Ste said, “Okay, just go. Leaving is just the beginning of our reunion, I’ll be waiting for you at home.”

This time, Jordan felt a warm sensation in his heart. He thought, ‘I used to consider this ce home, but without a hostess, bit /bfelt like something was missing.

‘But inow /ithat Ste is here, it finally feels like home.‘ Hearing her say those words made him feel like he could fir

Jordan gave her another long, passionate kiss before reluctantly leaving. Ste was melted by his gaze.

bve /bba /bfamily.

As he closed the door, he said, “You have plenty of time. You can sleep a bit longer. I’ll keep you updated with my bmessages/bb./bb” /b

Ste nodded.

She heard Jordan say goodbye to Mary. Snuggling under the covers, her mind was filled with thoughts bof /bJordan, band /bba /bbsweet /bbsmile /bbspread /b

across her face.

She knew she was finally in a rtionship, finally experiencing the sweetness of love. Soon, Ste fell asleep with ba /bbsense /bof happiness

When she woke up again, Jordan had already arrived at his destination. He sent her a message along with photos to show her bwhat /bit was love

there.

Ste replied, letting him know she was seriously enjoying her breakfast and that she felt perfectly fine after the sweets she bhad /bhad the night

before.

Mary watched nearby, always wearing a smile.

After breakfast, Ste headed to work. Just as she reached the entrance of thepany, she saw Anna sprawled out in front of her. bA /bbbunch /bof reporters were right behind her, and microphones extended toward Ste.

“Ste, why did you run into your sister? What kind of grudge do you have against her?”

“Ste, your sister was knocked down–aren’t you going to help her up? You’re so cruel.”

“Ste, there are rumors that you’ve harmed your sister multiple times. Is there any truth to that?”

“Ste…”

Ste stood her ground as security removed the reporters. Anna remained sprawled on the stairs, showing no intention of getting up.

Ste hadn’t expected this. She was nning to confront Anna about the business trip incidentter, but now Anna had presented herself bon /ba silver tter. Ste wasn’t about to miss this opportunity.

“My dear sister, you’re such a great actress. You’ve been like this since we were kids. You arranged for kidnappers to take me far away, so everyone at home wouldn’t suspect you,” Ste said.

Anna’s eyes flickered. “Ste, what are you talking about? I was just walking here when you knocked me over. I haven’t med youb, /bbut you can’t use me unjustly.”

“Unjustly? Did I falsely use you of Grandma’s death, and Emily’s too?” Ste retorted.

Anna shook her head furiously. “I didn’t do anything. I’m more heartbroken than anyone about their idents.

“Ste, I came here today to see you because I’ve been feeling awful. We’re the closest sisters in the world. Why have wee to bthis/bb? /b

“No matter what’s happened before, I hope we can reconcile.”

Ste suddenly grabbed Anna’s hair tightly, ring at her. “Reconcile? Are you dreaming?

“Well, maybe we can reconcile, under one condition: you must be kidnapped by thugs, have one of your kidneys taken without anesthesia, then escape and be sent to Dusty Pines for three years.

“When youe back, face repeated betrayals/from family who need your blood for someone else, nearly d forgive you. How does that sound?”

Anna looked at Ste in disbelief. “Ste, how can you be so cruel? None of that was my doing.”

“Was it not?” Ste red at her.

eral btimes/bb, /band then I’ll

Ste continued, “Let me ask you: how did you know my schedule for the business btrip/bb? /bbAnd /bbwhy /bbdid /bbyou /bbdrug /bbme /bbto /bblet /bbsomeone /bbtake /badvantage of me?

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