She bent down to pick up the ball, tilting her head slightly as she looked at the dog. Her eyes gleamed with unrestrained malice.

“Well, it seems you’ve figured me out, little mutt,” Johanna murmured, a cold smile playing on her lips as her fingers curled tightly around the ball.

Since returning to Khogend, Felicia had practically lived in her clinic. She had treated two critical patients early on and subsequently immersed herself in the medicinal herb storeroom. The eight senior physicians of Union Clinic were overjoyed at her presence. With Felicia around, they could confidently handle any patient, knowing she could intervene with difficult cases. This ensured their clinic's reputation remained impeccable.

The recent surge in patients, following the fire at Harmony Medical Center, kept everyone busy. Their competitor's misfortune had proven advantageous.

Amid the bustling activity, a sleek black luxury car pulled up outside. The vehicle was unmistakable—its unique license plate and limited-edition model immediately attracted attention. All eight doctors glanced toward the entrance.

The car door opened, and Stephan emerged, his long legs carrying him into the clinic. His sharp gaze swept the room; he didn't see Felicia.

One senior physician ventured, “Sir, may I help you—”

Before he could finish, Stephan interrupted curtly, “I’m here for Felicia. Where is she?”

The doctors exchanged uneasy glances. The man's commanding presence was overwhelming; his sharp eyes held an unspoken threat. They worried he might cause trouble, quietly debating whether to warn Felicia to leave through the back.

But as they plotted, Felicia emerged from the storeroom, holding a list and jotting down notes. Without looking up, she called out, “I’ve made a list. Kerry, head to the herb market and pick these up for me. I need them urgently.”

Kerry Rodriguez, her assistant, didn't respond. Felicia, confused, looked up and froze at the sight of Stephan standing in the clinic. What was he doing here? Wasn't he supposed to be in Seldvale? He'd said he wouldn't return for two months, and it hadn't even been half a month since New Year's.

Before she could react, Stephan strode toward her, grabbed her wrist, and led her into the storeroom. The door slammed shut, cutting off the curious gazes of the others.

In the dimly lit space, Stephan moved closer, his tall frame casting a shadow over Felicia. Before she could speak, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a powerful, unyielding kiss.

Felicia's eyes widened in shock. She hadn't expected this immediate embrace. The kiss wasn't merely aggressive; it was imbued with a longing intensity, a relentless passion that brooked no protest. His lips moved with an authoritative demand for submission, each movement precise and overwhelming.

Suddenly, loud knocks echoed on the door. The senior physicians panicked, and Kerry shouted, “Ms. Fuller, are you okay in there? Hang tight. We’re coming to save you!”

Felicia's face burned with embarrassment. The thought of them barging in made her want to vanish. Desperate, she bit Stephan's lip hard enough to startle him and push him away. Gasping for air, she shouted toward the door, “I’m fine! This is my friend. Get back to work!”

The banging ceased, and the footsteps faded. Just as Felicia exhaled in relief, she felt a sharp nip on her shoulder. Before she could react, an arm encircled her waist, pulling her back into his embrace.

His deep, gravelly voice murmured in her ear, laced with amusement and a hint of danger. He deliberately emphasized, “Friend? Hmm?”