Chapter 546
The siblings were twelve years apart. After their mother's death and their father's subsequent disappearance, the vast Russell family empire was leaderless, becoming a target for the extended family's avarice.
At six years old, Stephan was ambushed. Imogen, without hesitation, shielded her younger brother. A handful of poison powder cost her her sight. She was only eighteen, in the prime of her youth, yet suddenly blind—a woman who had known light but would never see it again. Yet she never complained or showed regret.
Over the next decade, the young child grew to protect his sister, shouldering the burden of the enormous Russell family empire. He became its formidable leader, known for his iron fist and ruthless methods; his name inspired terror. In all those years, Imogen never sought pity for her blindness. But this day, she raised it. Her words, sharp and piercing, demanded an answer. Had he lived up to her expectations? Did he remember why she went blind? Did he still possess a conscience?
The world fell silent. Stephan stood motionless, the wind swirling past him. He seemed a statue frozen in time, as if a gaping hole had been torn through his chest. The harshest words came not from an enemy, but from his sibling, stabbing straight to his heart.
Felicia sighed silently, lowering her gaze to the hand Stephan still clasped. His large hands, with long, well-defined fingers and prominent veins, were beautiful, almost artistic. But now, his palm was ice-cold. Felicia forcefully withdrew her hand.
Imogen wasn't difficult to appease; Felicia only needed to leave. If she left, Imogen would relent. She was prepared to go. Why prolong this awkwardness? Why make it so difficult for him? After all, she was no stranger to abandonment. It was nothing new. Time and again, she'd been left behind: the Fullers chose Kayla over her; Sebastian chose family reputation over her. In moments of injustice, others had always chosen against her. Stephan could do the same; a few placating words would suffice. The rift between them would close.
But unexpectedly, as she withdrew her hand, Stephan reached out and clasped it again, his fingers interlacing with hers. Felicia tried to shake him off, but he held firm. Seeing this, Johanna whispered a description to Imogen.
“So, this is your decision?” Imogen's chest heaved with anger, her eyes reddening. She said recklessly, “I regret it. If I had known you’d treat me like this, I would never have shielded you!”
“Imogen…” Stephan’s already hoarse voice rasped. His face, pale from blood loss and injury, seemed even paler; his lips trembled. With a smile, he said, “Imogen, I’ll repay your sight with my eyes, alright?”