"Yes, Mr. Russell," his subordinate acknowledged from the other end of the line. Cautiously, he asked, "Mr. Russell, should we return now, or...?"

"Let's rest for two days," Stephan replied, gazing at the village lights. He absentmindedly stroked the puppy's head. "The scenery here is quite nice. Let's find a place to settle down first."

"Understood."

Felicia returned to Macey's house, massaging her neck as she entered. The earlier commotion hadn't been loud enough to wake Macey, who slept soundly. She quietly opened the door and slipped into her room. As she lay down, she remembered the puppy. Where had it gone? Stephan had taken it.

The puppy, Cloud, was only a month old. Macey had mentioned he was one of the neighbor's dog's pups; she'd brought the chubby white one home to raise. Cloud stayed with its mother during the day, but at night, it obediently returned when Macey called. It was adorable. When it saw Felicia, it wagged its tail, looking adorably clumsy.

Felicia hadn't expected to see Stephan, nor for him to take Cloud. Lying in bed, she considered how to find Stephan in the morning and negotiate Cloud's return. The thought prevented her from sleeping.

Interacting with Stephan made her uneasy. He was perceptive; his deep eyes seemed to read her mind. He'd nearly exposed her secrets several times. After tossing and turning, she could only hope that nothing she'd said that night had aroused his suspicion.

She finally drifted off for about half an hour before dawn broke.

A thin mist hung over the mountains; the village echoed with the crowing of roosters. It was a peaceful, serene morning. Yet, amidst the tranquility, barking dogs pierced the air, followed by hurried footsteps and voices, and anxious words about an incident.

Felicia quickly dressed and rushed outside, just in time to see Romeo Todd leading a group carrying tools. She called out, "Mr. Todd, what's happening?"

He turned. "A car went off the guardrail on the winding mountain road. The village chief organized a rescue team, and I hear another is on its way!"

A chill ran through Felicia. The mountain road had curves, but they weren't sharp. Driving shouldn't be a problem, unless… the car was from outside, and the driver was unfamiliar with the road?

Her first thought was of Stephan. Could he have had an accident leaving last night?

She returned to her room for her needle case and medicine kit, then rushed to inform Macey. "Nana, stay here. I'm going to check it out." Macey stood on tiptoe. "Be careful and stay safe!"

"I will, Nana!"

Felicia sprinted to catch Romeo's truck. She squeezed in, and they quickly reached the scene: a black luxury car precariously hung from a cliff. Several people were planning a rescue. Among them, Felicia spotted Arnold; his expression was anxious, his eyes red-rimmed.