“Time to run!” Felicia thought as she dashed away at lightning speed.

Seeing her fleeing figure, Stephan chuckled. He reflected for a moment. Had he been too much? But he found her reaction utterly adorable. He liked her even more now.

With a smile in his eyes, Stephan glanced at the calendar. June was approaching. The early summer weather would be perfect. Perhaps it was time to prepare for their wedding. He wondered if he needed to propose first. What kind of proposal would be most romantic? It was an important matter, needing immediate planning.

A knock interrupted his thoughts. Stanley entered, respectfully and hesitantly asking, “Sir, Mrs. Russell just left. Should we assign someone to protect her secretly?”

“No need,” Stephan responded firmly.

Stanley almost thought he’d misheard. “What? No need? But what if she encounters danger…?”

Stephan had considered this, but he believed in Felicia. She was no helpless person. She possessed unwavering determination, resilience, and an indomitable spirit. She would soar against any adversity. Because she was Felicia! He didn’t want to clip her wings; he wanted her to fly higher and further. He would always be right behind her.

Stephan checked his watch, his sharp features reverting to their usual cool demeanor. Without directly answering Stanley, he ordered, “It’s time to wrap things up. Once tonight’s business is settled, find me a top-tier event planning team.”

Stanley looked puzzled. “Huh? Mr. Russell, what do you need a planning team for?”

“For the proposal.”

Stanley perked up, his eyes sparkling. “Understood, sir! I’ll make arrangements right away!”

That afternoon, Archie probed Imogen twice more about the seal. Imogen initially refused, but Archie kept pressing, using love as a manipulative tool. His sweet talk flowed effortlessly, each phrase distinct.

Imogen remained hesitant. Seeing her reluctance, Archie hardened his expression and played his trump card. “As a member of the Russell family, I should step up, yet you reject me. You don’t believe in me, Imogen. You’ve broken my heart and disappointed me greatly!” Archie declared loudly, in a righteous tone.

Imogen almost laughed. It took effort to suppress her smirk and disdain. What a grandiose speech! To outsiders, it might sound like Archie single-handedly supported the Russell family! The more she listened, the more nauseated she felt. How could she have ever fallen for such a hypocritical scoundrel?