Chapter 615
No matter the time or place, Imogen never regretted shielding Stephan, even though it cost her eyesight. Even if given another chance, she would make the same choice without hesitation.
“I know, Imogen,” Stephan sighed softly, lowering his voice. “As a family, we don’t hold grudges against each other. Don’t blame yourself.”
“Alright!”
Imogen shot a sideways glance at Felicia and smiled. Then, abruptly changing the subject, she said, “You might not hold grudges, but I do. Back then, you pretended to be blind just to scare me, didn’t you?”
Stephan, caught off guard, was speechless. Feeling guilty, he quietly pinched Felicia’s waist, seeking help.
Felicia set down the dish of peeled grapes and cleared her throat. Instead of helping, she added, “Not only did he pretend to be blind, but he also faked his death. Rumors are everywhere, saying Mr. Russell was poisoned and is on his deathbed…”
Imogen chimed in, “That’s why I wasn’t surprised when I arrived. This news has been circulating for days, but the more I hear it, the more absurd it seems.”
She had cried on the first day, afraid of losing her only remaining family member. But after calming down, she reasoned: as the head of the Russell family, how many threats, open and hidden, had Stephan faced? Would he really fall because of something so trivial? The only explanation was that he had done it on purpose.
Though she had suspected it, she wasn’t sure of Stephan’s motives, so she remained silent. Now, seeing him safe and sound, she understood. Stephan was acting.
The only question was who was backing Archie, and what deal had emboldened him to target the Russell family? It seemed ridiculous. So what if Archie got the Russell family seal? Only the true head could wield its power; anyone else would only invite trouble.
Imogen checked the time. Her mood had lightened considerably. Without lingering, she stood, saying, “Caleb should be waking up soon. I need to check on him. Felicia, will you walk me out?”
Felicia, sensing Imogen wanted to speak privately, rose and replied, “Sure.”
Stephan worried about her leaving. However, unsure if other spies lurked in the residence besides Archie, he needed to maintain his facade of critical illness and couldn’t leave the room. With grievance in his eyes, he called out, “Imogen, don’t bully my wife.”
Imogen narrowed her eyes and snapped, “Like I need you to remind me!” She linked arms with Felicia, and they left.
Once in a quiet corner, Felicia gestured for Imogen to speak.
Imogen sighed. “Felicia, I didn’t mention Archie and Johanna’s relationship. Can you keep it a secret?”
Given Stephan’s temperament, if he learned how thoroughly she’d been deceived, he would kill Archie, and then Johanna.
Imogen explained, “I’m not being soft-hearted. I want to do it myself! If I don’t exact revenge, I’ll never forgive myself!” Felicia understood. This was Imogen’s personal matter, and she wouldn’t interfere.
However, she offered advice: “Ms. Russell, when you can eliminate your enemies, do it quickly. The longer they live, the more unpredictable things become.”