Chapter 722

Felicia’s strength had been failing when she received this sudden, life-saving rescue. Her eyes snapped open; though everything remained pitch-black, she knew her rescuer—Stephan! That bastard had finally arrived. She wanted to punch him, but lacked the strength.

Stephan’s arm wrapped firmly around her waist, pulling her forward as he swam. He periodically pressed his lips to hers, transferring air to her lungs. Felicia, now fully conscious, reciprocated his movements.

The moment they broke the surface, Felicia gasped for air, drawing deep, grateful breaths. Catching her breath, she looked up and saw Stephan’s men already gathered. She turned to Stephan.

Before she could speak, he pulled her into a tight embrace. Despite his large frame and powerful heartbeat, his body was cold—not merely from the water, but with a chilling fear. Felicia was stunned before she heard his voice: “Thank God you’re okay. Thank God.” The raw emotion softened her heart.

She patted his back reassuringly. “I’m fine. Don’t worry. If you were that scared, don’t leave me behind again, alright?”

“I won’t. Never again.” He pressed a kiss to her damp hair.

He had previously run off after seeing his long-lost father. Overwhelmed by shock, he hadn't hesitated to give chase, trusting his subordinates to protect Felicia. The island's strange traps, mechanisms, and magnetic field disruptions had cut off all communication. Stephan had tried to return, but his path was gone, replaced by a sheer cliff plunging into the sea. It took him considerable time to overcome the island's defenses and find his way back. He managed to locate his subordinates, but Felicia was nowhere to be found.

Learning she had fallen into the hole, Stephan jumped in without hesitation. The hole was already filled with water; he saw her unmoving body. His heart nearly stopped; a terrible dread gripped him. Thank God she was okay.

“We’re going home.” He gently kissed her palm, water clinging to his impossibly handsome face. Beneath his sharp brows, his deep…

Felicia smiled, nodding. “Alright, let’s go home.”

The most important task—rescuing Maurice and repaying his favor—was complete. As for everything else, she already had most of the answers. Stephan's father had died long ago, when he first arrived on the island. Stephan must have followed the clues, confirming his suspicions. The old man from Felicia's dream—the one fishing by the shore—was undoubtedly connected to the island. Perhaps he was its guardian… or its judge. Since the old man had promised to let her leave, there should be no more obstacles. That was her assumption, and reality soon proved her right.

The devastating storm and tidal wave were gone, leaving only wreckage. Yet, the island remained, defying the destruction it should have suffered.

On their way back, a crew member shouted, “We have a signal! We’ve made contact with the fleet outside!”

Everything was going smoothly—almost too smoothly. Felicia let out a quiet breath.

As she stepped onto the ship, a commotion erupted. Maurice's group was returning; they were battered but unharmed, sustaining only minor injuries. Everyone was accounted for, eliminating the need for a search party.