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 would be on the guest list. If 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.

she decided to play blind. She felt around for nearby plants, pretending to be blind, and began to slowly

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 her firmly in place. The sensation of suffocation washed over her. Felicia's face turned red, veins bulging

a moment, she felt as if she had returned to the final moments of her previous life. The same intense feeling of suffocation at death's door. However, she wasn't ready

ferocity flashed in her eyes as she gathered all her strength and

his grip around her neck. He chuckled, clearly amused by her

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

the next moment, Stephan gently wiped her tears away. His

beautiful eyes you have. You

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

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

her with a warning, "I assume you know what to say and what not

"Yes,

Felicia quickly turned to leave, intending to take Myra with her. However, just as

turned to look, all that remained were shattered pieces of the lamp.

faint scent of blood lingered in the

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

Felicia said, glancing

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 attacker. The question was, why were they in the

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

seemed to have reconciled, sitting together at

she hesitated several times before finally speaking up with cautious anticipation, saying, "Licia, I don't think... I don't think

to speak. However, a loud