At that moment, Felicia felt as if a thousand sheep were stampeding through her mind. She had run a considerable distance, several times believing she’d shaken off Stephan, only to find that tall figure still leisurely trailing her. His calm, unhurried demeanor was unsettling. What kind of skills did this man possess?

After several futile attempts, Felicia gave up, stopping her frantic escape, bending over to gasp for breath. "I'm... I'm out of breath. I give up..."

Stephan continued walking toward her at the same leisurely pace. The white puppy in his arms, once feisty, was now a meek companion, whining and nuzzling against his hand, occasionally rubbing against his palm. The scene was both heartwarming and terrifying.

Felicia instinctively shrank back. Finally, Stephan's gaze settled on her, his smile fading into something serious as he approached, a palpable pressure hanging in the air. "No more running?"

"I can't run anymore," Felicia replied honestly. One could only evade the inevitable for so long; sooner or later, one had to face the music.

"Then give me an explanation." Stephan advanced, his expression sharpening, filled with stormy intensity. "Why did you scheme against me?" He had saved her from criminals; yet here she was, using despicable means against him. He recalled that night, his brows furrowing deeper as irritation and rage simmered beneath the surface. Felicia shivered, feeling utterly helpless.

She was unable to articulate her grievances. First, she had never schemed against him; she lacked the courage. Second, she had already paid the price that night! But she couldn't say that. With Stephan's unpredictable nature, mentioning her compromising situation might lead to immediate retribution—a death sentence.

With a pitiful expression, Felicia explained, "It wasn't me! I was framed! The scar-removal ointment you received is indeed for scar treatment. It's my grandfather's exclusive formula! I just didn't know it had been tampered with before I gave it to you. It was an accidental mix-up, a coincidence..."

Felicia's sincerity was palpable. Aside from withholding part of the truth, she had not uttered a falsehood. Her attitude was genuine. Stephan had already investigated the ointment's origins, confirming its exclusive nature and Felicia's claims, leaving no room for deception. Otherwise, he wouldn't be seeking an explanation; he would have dealt with her directly.

He hadn't told Felicia why he held her accountable. This woman had avoided him repeatedly; why?

Stephan's thoughts shifted, his tone changing as he locked his gaze on Felicia. "How did you know I was drugged?"

Felicia's heart sank. She had completely forgotten that detail! She had been forced to attend the engagement party, escaping halfway through and disappearing. Arnold had also fled, ruining the party. She should have no knowledge of Stephan being drugged that night, or the reason for his pursuit. Her honest confession only seemed to heighten suspicion.