Return of the Crowned Heiress

Chapter 242

The other young socialites who had been so eager to join the game now stood on the sidelines, licking their wounds and laughing nervously. They had lost far more than they anticipated while Felicia hadn't lost a single round. By the end, Arnold's face was ashen, his pride utterly trampled.

"Come on, Felicia, you don't have X-ray vision, do you?" one of the socialites teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Felicia smirked and shot back, "Nah, I just have really good hearing."

Her playful response had everyone around her bursting into laughter.

Felicia had no idea that her little gambling spree had caught the attention of someone watching from above.

Stephan stood at the edge of the upper level, his eyes fixed on the scene below. There was Felicia, seated in the center of the group, completely surrounded. Arnold sat directly across from her, looking absolutely miserable. Even from that distance, Stephan could hear the noise-the lively chatter and the bursts of laughter echoing through the room.

"She's drawing quite the crowd," he remarked, his tone neutral but carrying a weight of authority. After a pause, he added, "Bring her up."

His assistant bowed slightly and left without delay.

Felicia had just finished cashing in her chips, and her mood was light from her significant winnings. Just then, one of Stephan's men approached her.

"Ms. Fuller, Mr. Russell would like to see you."

Her brows lifted in surprise. She hadn't expected Stephan to be here. Though she had been staying at the Russell estate, their paths hadn't crossed in days. Curiosity piqued, she followed the man upstairs.

corridor unimpeded until she spotted him at the far end. He stood with his back to her with his phone in hand, speaking in a tone she had never

your recovery. The

his voice was so unlike his usual cold and distant display that

froze mid-step, her thoughts

he talking

mind Abbie, the actress she had seen at the estate not long ago. Could

sense, really. Abbie

just acquaintances.

his way to throw resources her way

ource

wel?

he was trying to

she was

tearful scene when Abbie left the

she instinctively took a step back, retreating to a safe distance. Her mind buzzed with thoughts

her musings, Stephan turned after having ended his call. Before she could react, he appeared in front of her,

her heel caught on the edge

could hit the ground, moving

the floor with a graceless bump while Stephan's

could feel the shift in his gaze. His dark eyes became colder and harder to read The air around him seemed