Chapter 435

Stephan knew who Maurice was. He simply wanted to understand Felicia's relationship with him. His arms tightened around her waist, the warmth of his calloused fingers—roughened by years of training—pressing against her skin. When she remained silent, his slender arms drew her closer, as if to meld their bodies into one.

The room was dark, illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the window. In its ethereal glow, Stephan's features appeared sharper, his dark almond eyes holding a cold, unfathomable depth that was strangely alluring. Perhaps it was the proximity, the pounding of their hearts, or the charged atmosphere—Felicia raised her head, feeling a strange possession overcome her as her mind blanked. She found herself kissing Stephan.

His hand on her waist tightened. The moment teetered on the brink of uncontrollability when footsteps sounded outside the door. Felicia jolted, snapping back to reality. Stephan quickly covered her with a shirt.

“Mr. Russell—”

“Get out!”

A subordinate, attempting to report, was cut short by Stephan's icy command. Terror seized the man; he retreated hastily.

Felicia seized the opportunity to break free from Stephan’s embrace. Straightening her clothes, she cleared her throat and answered his earlier question. “I have nothing to do with Maurice. He kidnapped me and released me after I healed his leg.” She recounted her kidnapping, including the encounter with the twin venomous creatures. That was the extent of her connection to Maurice; she attributed his persistent pestering to his unsound mind.

Stephan then recalled Felicia's seven-day disappearance. He'd been in Selvale at the time and unaware of the situation. She had returned before he sent anyone to search for her, so he'd forgotten the incident entirely. He was unaware of the events that transpired during those days. He knew Maurice wouldn't kidnap Felicia without reason. He feared it was because Maurice believed Felicia was his woman. "It was because of me. It was my fault," Stephan said.

Felicia shook her head, disagreeing. Even if he bore some responsibility, it wasn't entirely his fault. The true problem lay with those behind the scheme.

She sighed, feeling a sense of relief at having spoken her mind. Yet, the atmosphere grew even stranger. Unease settled over her under Stephan's gaze, particularly when she recalled their near intimacy moments before. Her ears burned. She chided herself for her distraction by his attractiveness and her loss of control.

Felicia coughed and stepped back. Before Stephan could react, she fled the bedroom and ran downstairs.

"I'm leaving now."

Unnoticed, Stephan caught up to her before she could hail a cab. He lifted her into his car. She complained about his previous abandonment before giving him her new address. He was going to drive her home himself.

Stephan's long fingers, with their clearly defined joints and prominent veins, rested on the steering wheel—a captivating sight.

She realized two hours had passed. Was time moving quickly, or had she been completely absorbed in the events of the evening?