The Fuller couple, having "ilving" (presumably "living"), were now missing. Since the teal map had vanished and the Cartells denied possessing it, they had chosen to use the F—instead. Ultimately, it was Kanna's retaliation.
Felicia felt conflicted. She couldn't understand why the Fullers had risked so much, entangling themselves in this inescapable predicament. Were they truly jeopardizing everything, even their lives, solely to protect Kayla?
Stephan explained, seeing her displeasure, "Before I publicized the Cartells' actions, they had already taken the Fuller couple." It wasn't his doing, therefore he wasn't to blame.
Felicia chuckled. Stephan, renowned for his decisive ruthlessness, was known for his cold, merciless dealings. Yet he had tolerated the Fuller family repeatedly; Dexter, having stolen from him, feigned ignorance and even sent the stolen item to auction as provocation. Anyone else would have been dead many times over. Felicia understood the reason for this leniency. His thoughtfulness, though shown, remained unspoken.
Felicia leaned forward, kissing Stephan quickly before retreating. "I understand," she whispered softly.
Stephan, catching the meaning in her eyes, smirked faintly. "That's it?"
"What else do you want?" Felicia gestured towards the waiting convoy. "Stephan, you're supposed to leave now."
As she began to back away, Stephan grabbed her. Expecting his usual domineering kiss, she was surprised by its tenderness.
Stunned, Felicia gazed into Stephan's eyes. His expression was focused, almost reverent, as he carefully traced her lips. The world fell silent, save for their racing hearts.
After a long moment, Stephan rested his forehead against hers, chuckling softly. "Wait for me. I'll marry you."
Felicia blinked. "Why don't you marry into my family instead? The bridal home is ready. Just bring a substantial dowry."
To her surprise, Stephan chuckled, "Sure."
The off-road convoy departed in a grand procession. Before leaving, Stephan assigned men to protect Felicia, mentioning her previous kidnapping by Maurice during his last visit to Seldvale. Among them was Stanley, her former driver from her time at the Russell estate.
Felicia learned from Stanley that Stephan had planned to leave the previous night. She remembered grabbing him and dragging him to bed after he'd scaled her wall to say goodbye. Felicia silently cursed her own impulsive actions. Thankfully, her calm exterior masked her embarrassment.
Marley called out, "Mrs. Russell, are you going out? I'll bring the car around."
Tricia nodded; a driver was certainly convenient, having previously relied on taxis. However, she paused. "What did you call me?" The name rendered her speechless. She mildly desired to correct him but, smiling cheerfully, let it slide; perhaps another part of Stephan's "dowry." The tempo changed slightly; a bigger bundle to her life.