Mike asked, "What if she actually asks for your help? Would you say yes?"
"It depends on my mood," Stephan replied.
Mike fell silent, thinking Stephan was heartless. Stephan toyed with the round, smooth porcelain bottle, casually removing the cap to sniff its contents. The scent of fresh grass wafted up—quite unique. Bored, he poured some out and applied it to the scars on his hand. He remembered Felicia mentioning its effectiveness, even on old scars, so he tried it for her sake.
Just then, Mike's phone vibrated. He exclaimed, "No need to ask for help. I just got the news that Felicia has escaped! My grandpa has mobilized nearly half the staff to search for her. I need to check things out. See you later." He typed a message as he headed for the exit, remembering to turn off the lights for Stephan.
The room plunged into darkness. Stephan paused, considering whether to help Felicia. But in the next second, his expression changed drastically. His gaze darkened as he smashed the porcelain bottle to the ground, shards flying everywhere. He gritted his teeth in the darkness. A fierce heat surged from his core. Something was wrong with the medicine! His eyes turned red, a surge of murderous intent rising within him. Felicia had some nerve! "Felicia, I can't believe you dared to mess with me!"
The Lawson family's engagement banquet was held in Pristine Hall, a palace resembling a dreamy castle from the outside. It combined banquet halls, dining areas, and suites. Inside, however, it felt more like a vast, overwhelming maze.
Felicia had no interest in the luxury; she was frustrated by its size. It was her first time there, and she was hopelessly lost in the endless winding corridors. Despite her agility, she struggled to find the exit after running a considerable distance. The bodyguards, having received instructions from Matthew after Arnold's escape, caught up. Matthew had sent another team to intercept Arnold. Their task was to return Felicia to the banquet hall—no exceptions. The entire city was watching this engagement.
Rolling her eyes, Felicia darted into another corridor. She collided with a girl wearing a mask and hat, concealing her identity. The girl, Abbie Dawson, stumbled, gasping in pain.
"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" Felicia asked, helping Abbie up and checking her arm. The thick carpet had cushioned her fall. Abbie shook her head, apologetic. "I'm sorry, I was lost in thought."
"It's alright," Felicia replied.
She glanced back; the bodyguards were closing in. She couldn't waste time and continued running. However, her gown snagged on a fire extinguisher, tearing a section of the red fabric. "Hey, your dress…" Abbie called out, but the rushing bodyguards frightened her, preventing her from approaching. Just then, her phone beeped loudly.