As Stanley had expected, a traitor lurked among them. Who would have guessed it was Archie? Presumed dead, he had been scheming in the shadows. He seemed weary of life itself.
"Keep an eye on him. See if anyone besides the Carrell family is involved," Stephan said languidly, flexing his wrist. "Also, spread the word that I'm gravely ill from poisoning and barely clinging to life." He intended to fully commit to this charade. The small fry were caught, but the larger players remained hidden.
"As you command, Mr. Russell," Stanley replied respectfully, starting to leave.
"Wait," Stephan called, adding, "Keep this from Khogend. Don't let Felicia know."
"Yes, sir!"
Stanley departed. Stephan glanced at his phone, displaying numerous messages and missed calls from Felicia. He hadn't responded in days. Would she be angry? He clicked his tongue, knowing she would be furious. He sighed, considering how to make amends after dealing with this mole and the troublemakers. Would kneeling suffice?
A faint smile touched Stephan's lips. His thumb traced Felicia's name on the screen; the icy chill in his eyes softened to tenderness. But then, someone approached timidly, shattering his reverie. Stephan's gaze sharpened, the frost returning to his eyes. A cold menace gleamed.
"Are you asking to die?"
"M-Mr. Russell," stammered the nervous speaker—the elderly doctor from the medical team.
Under Stephan's intense gaze, the doctor trembled, pointing to the discarded IV bottle. "Mr. Russell, should I have this tested to determine the poison used?"
"Alright."
Stephan hadn't initially considered it, but he agreed. It would serve as evidence. He only hoped that when he showed it to Imogen, love wouldn't blind her to the truth.
Archie's intentions toward Imogen had been dubious from the start. Even her so-called accident—falling into the water—might have been orchestrated. A perfect damsel-in-distress scenario. Yet, Imogen had fallen for it, wholeheartedly believing and supporting him. She had given him numerous chances to rise. Without her intervention, Stephan would never have entrusted Archie with significant responsibilities.
A man presumed dead six months ago reappeared amidst the Russell family's troubles, armed with a flawless cover story. How could that not raise suspicion? Stephan had already suspected Archie's survival, and his reappearance confirmed it.
Archie's goal was clearly to eliminate Stephan and seize control of the Russell family. He dreamed of becoming the master. How delusional. Who emboldened him to even dream such a thing? The Carrell family? He was an ignorant fool.