Felicia was speechless. She knew this was coming. Refusing to give up, she asked, "Can I wait here?"

William responded with a polite smile, "Suit yourself, Ms. Fuller."

Reassured, Felicia found a spot by a flowerbed and sat down. The sun beat down relentlessly; the day was uncomfortably warm. She rested her head in her hand and soon drifted off. She waited for two hours, her back aching, tired, and hungry.

William reappeared, bowing slightly. "Ms. Fuller, Mr. Russell will see you now."

She perked up, stood, and followed William into the estate. "Ms. Fuller, please," he said, leading her to Stephan's door before turning and leaving.

Felicia felt a pang of nervousness at his departure. Was he not coming in with her? Taking a deep breath, she entered, reminding herself of the million dollars at stake.

She glanced around but didn't see Stephan. Instead, she heard running water from the bathroom. Through the frosted glass, she saw the silhouette of a tall, lean figure in the steam. A quick glimpse of his posture, outline, and powerfully toned body made her heart race. The water stopped, and the bathroom door opened. Stephan emerged.

His black hair dripped, water trickling down his flawless face, chiseled abs, and disappearing beneath the towel around his waist. Felicia felt her face flush. Looking away, their eyes met; his held an unreadable, amused expression. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly averted her gaze.

Silence fell. She heard Stephan undo and discard his towel, then the sound of him dressing. Felicia's face grew hotter. Her sharp hearing was sometimes a curse, her mind filling in details.

Thankfully, it didn't last long.

Stephan asked indifferently, "What do you want?"

Felicia, remaining turned away, explained her situation with the check in a low, muffled voice, speaking fawningly. "Mr. Russell, I can't cash the previous check. Can I get your help in issuing a new one?"

His voice seemed colder. "That's it?"

She wanted to retort, but dared not. "I'm sorry for the trouble, Mr. Russell," she replied meekly, handing him the old check.

He didn't take it or glance at it. "Bank account," he said simply. He clearly preferred a direct transfer.

Relieved, Felicia quickly produced a piece of paper and wrote her bank account number. Noticing the coldness on his face, she hesitated, then pulled out a small bottle and offered it with a flattering smile. "This is for you. It's a scar-removal ointment."

It was a special formula from Clive, highly effective. She'd used it several times herself. Stephan had a scar on his shoulder from a previous injury she'd inflicted while detoxifying him. She'd noticed it earlier—a frightening scar.

Confident her flattery would work, she quickly left, leaving the ointment behind.