His Unveiled Passion

Stephen took Tessa's hand out of his coat pocket and held it in his palms, rubbing them gently.

"These desserts and hot drinks were prepared just now on my orders. If you get hungry, have something to eat. If you need anything else, let me know, and I'll have someone prepare it."

Tessa shook her head. "That's not necessary."

Stephen led Tessa to the couch, picked up the remote, and turned on the large screen in front of them. With a few casual presses, the screen displayed a surveillance feed of the basement.

"This is the basement."

The display was divided into four smaller screens, showing different angles of the basement.

In one of the screens, Jacqueline's face was clearly visible.

Tessa's hand tightened slightly. She stared at the screen, subconsciously slowing her breathing.

From another angle, the full view of Jacqueline was visible. She was curled up in a corner, her hands and feet bound with rope. Her face bore injuries, and her eyes were filled with fear and despair.

Tessa pursed her lips, her jaw set.

Jacqueline had once seemed innocent, pretending

tone, begging her to teach her how to

hadn't been

she do those things? If she simply disliked

"That's what I don't understand either. I'll ask her directly

hummed in response. She sat on the

in front of her, taking her hands in his and meeting her eyes. "Tess, wait for me, alright? If anything happens, just call me. I'll go to the basement and take

"Alright."

girl." Stephen ruffled her hair before standing up and leaving

long after, Stephen's figure appeared on the surveillance screen. He stood about three or four feet away from

see me!" The moment Jacqueline saw Stephen,

voice was hoarse, making her desperate cries

bound, and the ropes were secured to the iron gate next to her. Jacqueline was

brows furrowed, and a

you permission to call me

Jacqueline's voice as she called