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"I warned you at the party. No one, absolutely no one, takes Stefan away from me," Gretchen said, furrowing her brow. "And know this: I'll do whatever it takes to get him back because I won't allow a whore like you to be with him. You're not worthy of Stefan."

"Oh... and are you worthy?" Katia replied sarcastically.

Gretchen slapped Katia forcefully.

"Say whatever you want, but Stefan is mine," she said with malice reflected in her eyes.

"Get out... NOW!" Katia shouted in frustration.

"Yes, I'm leaving, but not because you tell me to, but because I have things to do... like planning how to make Stefan leave you," she smiled half-heartedly. "See you soon, Jennel," she smiled at the middle-aged woman.

"See you soon, Miss Gretchen," the woman replied, nervously looking at both women.

Gretchen smirked sarcastically at Katia before turning and leaving through the front door of the house.

How was it possible that this woman could so easily get under her skin? Why did she get so angry when Gretchen claimed Stefan as her own?

Katia sighed in frustration and returned to the living room, though she wasn't in the mood to play with Panda or Booby. She rested her head against the back of the couch and stared at the ceiling of the room, searching for an explanation for the pain in her chest.

Why did she get upset when she saw that woman?

She sighed.

She shouldn't feel anything for Stefan because she held onto the hope that Oscar would return to her side, and they would finally be happy.

Jennel stood by the living room doorway, her hands clasped at chest level.

"I hope all of this turns out well, and nothing happens to any of them," Jennel wished without taking her eyes off the young woman. "Sir, come back soon..."

That night, around midnight, Stefan entered the house. Since he had returned to Munich, he had been in a meeting with Hilbert to organize some things in case something happened to him.

Jennel welcomed him, her expression filled with concern. She had to tell him what had happened that afternoon.

The thirty-something man approached her, grabbed her by the arms, and planted a firm kiss on her cheek before smiling at her.

"How have things been around here?" he asked.

"Well... they've been somewhat hectic, especially this afternoon," the woman replied as she stepped away.

"What happened?" he inquired, looking puzzled.

"Miss Gretchen was here this afternoon and told Katia that she's going to make you leave her and that she's..." she paused, unsure if she should say the word.

"What is she?" Stefan asked.

"A harlot, and that's why you're with Katia," she replied, closing her eyes.

Stefan let out a breath through his nose while pressing his lips together. Something inside him told him that Gretchen's visit would bring trouble if she kept coming to the house.

He gave a smile to his housekeeper and said, "I'll talk to Gretchen tomorrow, but first, I'd like to talk to Katia. Where is she?"

"In her room. And I think she's already asleep."

"It doesn't matter. I'll talk to Katia," he kissed the middle-aged woman on the cheek and left happily.

"But what's wrong with him...?" she said to herself, not understanding what was happening, but she was glad to see him so content.

Stefan began to climb the stairs two at a time with determination, unable to hide his smile, thinking about the great deal he had closed just minutes before leaving Rostock.

He came to a sudden stop when he felt a slight pain in his shoulder. He gently ran his hand over his right shoulder. He didn't know how he would conceal it from Katia, but he would try to move his shoulder as if nothing were wrong.

He continued to climb, and when he reached the landing, he walked to the room where Katia was sleeping. He entered without knocking, assuming she was asleep, but was surprised to see the light on from the bedside lamp.

He closed the door and walked to the bed, just as she entered the room and closed the balcony window.

Katia looked at him somewhat surprised but eventually smiled.

Upon hearing a bark, both of them turned to the bed, and Stefan raised an eyebrow when he saw Panda and Booby. Panda couldn't stop wagging his tail, and Booby was lying on his paws, looking at them, tilting his head.

"What are these animals doing in my house?" Stefan asked, frowning.

"Well, you see..." She closed her eyes, gritted her teeth, and tried to come up with a somewhat convincing explanation. "I found them when I accompanied Jennel and Norbert to the city. They were hungry and cold... and I've always loved animals since I was a child. I know I should have asked for your permission since it's your house, but ever since they've been here, I'm not as bored," Katia explained, her hands behind her back.

"I agree with that. You should have told me earlier," he reproached, crossing his arms with care.

"I know, but I was afraid you'd say I couldn't bring them," she shrugged slightly. "They're very good, really," she defended. "When we get divorced, I'll keep them, so you won't have to take care of them when..."

"It's okay. If you want to keep them, they can stay," he said with a small smile.

"Thank you very much, Stefan," she returned the smile.

"Lacking children, pets are like our children," Katia looked away, uncomfortable. "If I had met you in different circumstances and if you hadn't lost your son, I would have genuinely asked you to marry me and have children so they could have those beautiful and sweet blue eyes like yours," he said as he approached her, placing his left hand on her cheek. "Mr. Samuels is really lucky to have you waiting for him and having you by his side."

Stefan caressed her cheek with his thumb as he whispered those words.

"Why have you come... Stefan?" Katia found it difficult to tear her gaze away from his green eyes, and unconsciously, she bit her lower lip discreetly.

"With each passing day, there's less time for us to see each other again, although that probably pleases you because you'll be with your boyfriend. But I won't be able to forget the moments I've had you in my arms, even if they were just twice. I won't be able to forget the taste of those lips..." He traced her lips slowly with his thumb. "Or those beautiful and sad blue eyes that are looking at me right now."

"Stefan..." she whispered, surprised by everything he was saying.

"It's a pity you won't stay with me forever. I've grown accustomed to being with you," he said, stepping away from her. "Rest, Katia."

He turned with a half-smile and started walking toward the door.

"Stefan!" Katia exclaimed, taking a step forward with her uninjured foot. "I'm glad to see you're okay, but did you come here just to tell me this?"

"No, I came to ask you something, but it's too late now," she looked at him without understanding.

"You can ask me anything... now."

He wasn't sure if he should ask, but as he looked into her eyes, he smiled.

"Let's consider a hypothetical scenario, okay?" She nodded. "Actually... it's two hypothetical scenarios."

"Alright, ask," she agreed.

"One of these two hypothetical scenarios is if the police were to ask you to help them put me in jail... would you?"

"No. You haven't done anything wrong... why would the police ask me that?" She asked, not understanding the purpose of this hypothetical scenario.

"For nothing. Just remember, it's a hypothetical scenario," he smiled.

"And the other hypothetical scenario?"

"In the hypothetical scenario that your boyfriend were to die... would you stay with me?"