Meredith found it strange-surely Chloe couldn’t have a daughter and keep it a secret from everyone. It made no sense.


    Even as a single mother, no one would fault Chloe; she had the means to support her child.


    The fact that even Terrence Sterling was unaware made it all the more puzzling. Meredith shared, “Justin told me Chloe has a daughter. She must have visited the orphanage I was at before, likely to be looking for her daughter.”


    “If you’re curious, I’ll ask my momter,” Terrence Sterling suggested, “Or maybe Mrs. Chaucer knows something.”


    “It was just a passing question.”


    The next day, Terrence Sterling had left early in the morning. When Meredith awoke, he was already gone, and Azure was having breakfast. Meredith walked downstairs, apologizing, “Sorry aboutst night. I owe you a dinner; I’ll make it up soon.”All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    “No worries,” Azure replied. Curious, she asked, “How’s your friend doing?”


    “Still in the hospital,” Meredith answered. “He had to get over a dozen stitches in his head. Thankfully, someone passed by and saved Justin, or it could have been worse.”


    “Is your friend a bit… off? Didn’t he know how to fight back?” Azure countered. “Does he need to get beaten to death to fight back?”


    “I don’t know,” Meredith replied somberly. “But it was his own father; how could he raise his hand against him?”


    Azure didn’t press further and just set down her chopsticks. “I’ve found an apartment, nning to move out.”


    “I thought you were staying for three months? Not anymore?”


    “Staying here serves no purpose,” Azure admitted, facing reality. “I don’t regreting back. Letting go now won’t be in vain.”


    Meredith inquired, “So, are you nning to go abroad?”


    “No, I’ll stay in the country,” Azure said. “After the show wraps up, I’m thinking of starting a dance studio. When I left years ago, Ste gave me somepensation. I haven’t touched that money-it’s perfect for a startup fund. I felt humiliated back then, but now, yearster, since she feels no remorse, staying mired in the past only magnifies my pain and gives her satisfaction.”


    Faced with heartplications, Azure could no longerpete. Opening a studio, taking a few students-it promised a simpler life. This was the most Meredith had heard Azure share. Realizing she had no future with Terrence Sterling, Azure chose to cut her losses.


    Meredith admired Azure, “If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask Terrence.”


    Azure paused, thenughed, “I thought you’d say to ask you directly, like you aren’t afraid I’d steal your husband.”


    Meredith smiled, “We’re square now-if you want to trouble me, then you owe me a favor. It’s Ste and Terrence Sterling who owe you; don’t go easy on them, demand your interest.”


    Azure responded, “I’ll keep my distance from Ste; I don’t want to be bitten by that dog.”


    In that moment, Meredith felt a kinship with Azure, their views on Ste aligning perfectly.


    Azure shifted to gossip, “Meredith, actually … between you and Terrence Sterling, who’s on top?”


    Meredith was taken aback, giving Azure a ‘so that’s what you’re like’ look.


    “Just curious,” Azure murmured awkwardly.


    Meredith whispered something into Azure’s ear, just for the two of them to hear.


    Azure’s face turned red, embarrassed, “So that night … you were the one on top.”


    Azure couldn’t believe it-Terrence Sterling liked that dynamic, being ‘dominated’.


    Meredith concluded, “Actually, all men are secretly cheeky- the more serious they seem on the outside, the naughtier they are inside.”


    Azure sure learned something new that day.


    After their breakfast and chat, Meredith visited Justin in the hospital. Upon arrival, she found Fiona caring for Justin in his room.


    “Meredith, you’re here,” Fiona greeted with a smile. “I heard about Justin’s hospitalization and took leave to care for him, so you don’t have to keep running back and forth.”


    Fiona had brought food and heated water for Justin to wash up. Justin felt almost embarrassed; he didn’t want Fiona fussing over him, but she insisted, iming she had a debt of gratitude to repay.


    Seeing Justin tacitly allowing Fiona’s care, Meredith exchanged a nce with him. With no objections from him, she certainly had none.


    “Fiona, then I’ll leave him in your hands.”


    “I’m not good for much, but I can certainly lend a hand,” Fiona cheerfully remarked, “I also made some soup, Meredith-you should have some too.”