Kevin, worried about Ste, came over with concern. “Ste, we finally got some good news.”

    Ste gave a small nod, still unable to fully process what was happening. Almost mechanically, she started walking toward the door of the operating

    room.

    Kevin reached out again, but Ste politely pushed his hand away. Unsteady on her feet, she made her way toward Jordan to see how he was.

    When Jordan was wheeled out of the operating room, he looked pale, but he was breathing steadily.

    As Ste gazed at his quiet, sleeping face, a tide of conflicting emotions rose within her. She cared deeply for this man, yet she wasn’t sure if she truly knew who he was.

    After Jordan was moved back to his ward, Ste never left his side. She held his hand, feeling its warmth, though her heart churned with tangled feelings.

    Hasan’s words cut into her heart like a knife. She didn’t want to believe them, yet the doubts he had raised were undeniably real.

    When she was kidnapped three years ago, she had managed to escape on her own. After reuniting with the Hayes family, when Henry tried to control her, she had taken the initiative to seek help from Jordan.

    Jordan came back quickly, and the way he took down Henry was sharp and professional. Yet what puzzled her was ihow /ian ordinary businessman could always have so many trained people ready at hismand.

    And then came her days at the Quinn residence. If Jordan truly was the one pulling strings behind it all, she couldn’t figure out what his motive might be.

    Ste shook her head hard, trying to shake those thoughts out of her mind.

    She thought, ‘No matter what, Jordan had nearly lost his life to save me, and nothing is gonna change that fact. Would someone with truly sinister intentions be willing toy down his life for me?‘

    Then again, Hasan’s words echoed in her ears. “Maybe you were just part of Jordan’s n from the very beginning.”

    If she truly was caught up in some grand scheme of Jordan’s, then nothing he did for the sake of that n would be surprising.

    “Ste?” Jordan’s weak voice pulled her out of her head.

    “I’m so d you’re awake.” Ste instantly swept away her thoughts, gazing at him tenderly. “How are you feeling now?”

    “Much better.” Jordan looked at her weary face, speaking with tender concern. “You should get some rest.”

    “I’m not tired.” Ste shook her head. “Are you hungry? I’ll have Mary bring some cereal for you.”

    Jordan fixed his gaze on her. “Ste, what’s on your mind?” His tone carried absolute certainty, as though he could see straight into her thoughts.

    Ste’s chest tightened. She had to admit that sometimes Jordan knew her better than she knew herself.

    “Nothing” She forced a faint smile. “I’m just worried about you.”

    Yordan stayed silent, his eyes fixed on her. That piercing gaze made Ste’s chest tighten with panic, as though he could see every secret she was hiding.

    go check with the doctor to see if there’s anything else to keep in mind.” Ste stood up, about to head out.

    “Ste.” Jordan stopped her. “You know you can ask me anything, right?”

    Ste froze mid–step. She looked back at his serious face, and for a moment, she felt the urge to ask.

    She wanted to ask him about the Quinn family. She wanted to know if he had really acted against them and what he had actually been through before.

    Yet finally, she only shook her head. “I don’t have anything to ask. Just get some rest.” Then she walked quickly out of the room.

    Kevin was waiting for her in the corridor. He asked with concern, “How is he?”

    “He’s awake and seems in pretty good spirits.” Ste leaned against the wall, suddenly overwhelmed by a wave of exhaustion.

    Kevin looked at her, hesitating. “Ste, what Hasan said is—”

    “I know what you’re going to say.” Ste cut him off. “You think he’s got a point, don’t you?”

    Kevin fell silent. He did think Hasan’s words made sense. There were simply too many coincidences, enough to make anyone doubt.

    “Kevin, if Jordan really dide close to me with some hidden purpose, like Hasan said, then what was he after?” Ste suddenly asked.

    Kevin froze for a second. “I’m not sure either.”

    “I know, right?” Ste let out a bitter smile. “There’s nothing about me that’s worth all that trouble. I’ve got no money, no power, nothing useful to him.”

    “Maybe” Kevin started, then stopped himself.

    “Maybe what?” Ste pressed.

    “Maybe he just really cares about you,” Kevin said quietly. “Ste, the doubts Hasan mentioned are real, but Jordan’s feelings for you are obvious. The way he looks at you and treats you is not fake.”

    Kevin’s words warmed Ste’s heart, if only a little.

    Then Kevin’s tone shifted. “But if he truly cares for you, why does he keep so much from you?”

    That made Ste’s heart sink again. She thought, ‘Right. If Jordan really cares, then why won’t he just be honest? Why does he dodge every time I try to ask about his past? If someone’s past is clean, then what’s there to hide?‘

    “Ste, no matter what, I think you should stay cautious,” Kevin said earnestly. “If Jordan is really keeping something from you, it’s only a matter of time before ites out. I’m just afraid the truth will hit you too hard.”

    “I know.” Ste nodded. “Thanks, Kevin.”

    “Come on, you’re my friend.” Kevin gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. “If you ever need help, just tell me.”

    When Ste returned to the ward, Jordan was already asleep. She sat by the bed, watching his quiet, sleeping face, her heart tangled with conflicting

    emotions.

    She had never been this torn before. She used to think being together was all that mattered. However, after all that had happenedtely, she couldn’t help overthinking things.

    Her love for Jordan was undeniable, but Hasan’s words nted a time bomb in her heart.

    The bomb might not go off right away, but it would remain there, a constant reminder that she didn’t truly know Jordan.

    As if sensing her gaze, Jordan murmured softly in his sleep, “Ste.”

    Ste’s heart softened, and she reached out to gently smooth his forehead.

    Whatever the truth might be, he had nearly lost his life to save her. As for the rest, perhaps she didn’t really want to know.