Michaelâs wounds had been bandaged. He walked toward me. âStephie, letâs go home.â
I was still in a daze and snapped back to reality. âYou go by yourselfâ¦â
This murder case was becoming increasingly complex.
I had no idea how Steven was doing. He must be suffering terribly under Peterâs control.
The asylum was not a place fit for people to live in.
âIâm the only one who can protect you.â Michael frowned, gripping my wrist. âDonât be stubborn.â
âI donât want to go back with you right now.â I shook off his hand.
Seeing Yasmin would only make me angry. I had to find a way to attend tomorrowâs charity banquet and meet the president of Crowdstar Group.
âHave you asked Yasmin about the president of Crowdstar Group?â Michael threatened again when he saw I wasnât cooperating.
I knew it.
I looked up at him. âWell, Yasmin is indeed a big mouth.â
âI can introduce you to him, and your chances of success will be higher. You know that,â Michael said solemnly.
Mentioning the president of Crowdstar Group made Michael displeased. He envied the president and harbored resentment toward him because this mysterious figure refused to meet him and did not give him the respect he thought he deserved. Yet, he had offered his help in the past.
Michael felt that the president was looking down on him.
âAre you really being so kind?â I sneered.
âCome home with me and stay by my side. Iâll introduce you to him,â Michael offered in a hushed tone.
I frowned, knowing compromise was my only choice for now.
âStephany.â Zion walked over after finishing a phone call. âJakeâs case has been suddenly dropped.
He admitted to intentionally provoking Steven. The police officer handling the case is my friend.
After discussing it with him, he agreed to issue a letter of understanding and bring Steven back.â
I looked at Zion in surprise. âReally?â
Zion nodded, âYes.â
Excitement coursed through me as I grabbed Zionâs arm. âThen letâs go now!â
Michael looked at me, his gaze complicated. He lowered his head and chuckled sarcastically.
Zion shook his head. âThereâs a process to follow. It wonât be that quick. Donât be hasty. Iâll try to expedite , things on my end.â
I nodded.
212 Even if Steven was released, I still had to meet the president of Crowdstar Group. Only he could ensure Stevenâs and my safety.
Collaborating with this mysterious figure would secure Stevenâs position within the Lincoln family and make him less vulnerable.
Michaelâs driver took us home. During the drive, Michael and I sat quietly in the back seat.
He looked at me a few times, wanting to say something. âStephie, finish reading your parentsâ
diary.â
I stayed quiet as that was my plan as well.
âSteven is on the guest list for tomorrowâs charity banquet, but⦠since heâs in the asylum and as his partner, you canât attend if heâs absent.â Michael glanced atâme.
I looked at Michael warily, wondering how he would threaten me again.
âIâm on the guest list too. You can attend as my partner,â Michael offered..
I sneered, looking at the anxious and worried Yasmin waiting in the courtyard. âIf I attend as your partner, what about Yasmin?â
Michael frowned, remaining silent.
As soon as we got out of the car, Yasmin rushed to us, looking worried and with tears in her eyes.
âMike, I heard you got hurt. What happened?â
âItâs fine.â Michael kept his distance from Yasmin.
âMike, you promised I could go with you to the charity banquet tomorrow. Our outfits have arrived.
Shall we try them on?â Yasmin suggested quickly, afraid Michael would change his mind.
Clearly, Michael had promised Yasmin before.
He promised her but then tried to offer me the same thing. What a scumbag.
I huffed and turned to leave.
âStephieâ¦â Michael grabbed my wrist and looked at Yasmin âIâm sorry, I must attend with my love.â
I was surprised that Michael wasnât being nice to Yasmin today.