Return of the Crowned Heiress

12

Initially, only a few people noticed the commotion. However, when Kayla shouted, nearly everyone turned to look.

Felicia felt nauseated with disgust. With Arnold around, even the air felt stale. She decided to leave the hall, ignoring the curious gazes behind her, and headed out to the garden for some fresh air.

The night was beautiful. The moon shone brightly, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers. Just as her anxiety began to fade, she caught a faint whiff of blood.

Was someone hurt nearby?

Felicia followed the scent, stepping cautiously toward where it seemed to be coming from. She passed through a flourishing rose garden and rounded a corner, only to find a body lying awkwardly on a cobblestone path.

Before the corpse stood a tall, slender figure. The man stood in the shadows, his long, elegant fingers stained with blood, methodically wiping his hands with a handkerchief, his movements meticulous and careful, as if he had a severe case of germaphobia. Felicia could hardly believe she was witnessing a murder. She froze, unable to process what was happening, when suddenly the streetlamp next to her flickered. The tall figure slowly raised his head.

What an astonishingly handsome face. He was breathtakingly beautiful, as if he was sculpted by a divine creator. His features were perfect from skin to bone.

Felicia had never seen anyone so striking before, and for a moment, she was dazzled. But the more beautiful something was, the more dangerous it could be.

He radiated a powerful presence that was impossible to ignore. His deep, sharp eyes held a dangerous glint that was gradually intensifying.

Initially, Felicia thought of retreating entirely, but when she recognized who he was, her heart sank. It was Stephan, the head of the powerful Russell family in Seldvale.

In her previous life, she had heard many tales about Stephan, known for his ruthlessness, with a temper that could shift without warning.

However, why would such a big shot from Seldvale be in a small city like Khogend? Why would he appear in the backyard of the Fuller residence?

he were, the whole Khogend would know, and she wouldn't be unaware of it. Hence, Stephan must have hidden his identity to slip in. If that were the case, her chances of

to play blind. She felt around for nearby plants,

the next second, Stephan appeared right in front of her, gripping her neck tightly. Felicia instinctively struggled, but it was no use. His large hand, like an iron vice, held

returned to the final moments of her previous life.

her strength and kicked at his groin. However, she was like an ant trying to

land the kick, Stephan anticipated her move, tightening his grip around her neck. He chuckled, clearly amused by her struggle, never

to save herself. The suffocation grew stronger, and a whimper escaped her throat as tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks. In the dim

next moment, Stephan gently wiped her tears away. His fingers brushed against

you have. You look quite pitiful

deep, soothing voice felt like a lover's whisper. However, Felicia could sense the deadly intent emanating from him, sending chills

heard Myra calling for her from the other side of the garden, probably looking

when Felicia thought she was about to die, Stephan released her, leaving her with a warning, "I assume you know what to

voice hoarse, "Yes, I didn't see

leave, intending to take Myra with her. However, just as she did, the street lamp flickered

of the lamp. Stephan had vanished, along with the body on

in the air, a testament to

been? I've been looking everywhere for you," Myra rushed over, worry etched on

fine," Felicia said,

death, she distinctly smelled blood coming from him. This meant that Stephan had likely been attacked and was injured. The body on the ground was probably that of the

confusion, excusing herself to freshen up. Once in front of a mirror, she covered the marks on her neck that Stephan had left before returning to the

sitting together at the piano and performing a duet. At first glance,

way back from the garden, she hesitated several times before finally speaking up with cautious anticipation, saying, "Licia, I don't think... I don't think you have called me 'Mom'

she was about to speak. However, a loud call rang