Return of the Crowned Heiress

Chapter 246

Every time Felicia needed to leave the Russell estate, she'd rely on Kenneth for a ride down to town. But once at her destination, she'd insist he return without her. She'd always arrange her own way back, usually by cab. Kenneth had followed those instructions to the letter, but tonight, that wasn't enough to appease Stephan.

Stephan glared at him before turning on his heel and heading toward the door. His determined stride left no doubt about his intentions-he would personally pick her up.

But just as he reached the entrance, headlights flickered outside, and the sound of an approaching cab made him pause.

Felicia stepped out of the cab, carrying herself with her usual nonchalance. "Thanks. Just wait here a moment," she told the driver before heading toward the house.

She met Stephan in the doorway. "Oh, hey," she greeted casually, barely slowing her pace as she slipped past him.

Stephan stood still, his expression unreadable. Though his dark eyes followed her retreating figure into the house, he said nothing.

Upstairs, Felicia went straight to the guest room that had been serving as her temporary refuge. She began packing up her things, carefully tucking away the jars of ointments and vials of herbal concoctions she had spent days perfecting. Each bottle was a little treasure resulting from painstaking work and her natural talent for medicinal remedies. They were particularly effective for healing wounds, so she was sure they'd fetch a good price.

She smiled to herself. Once sold, the profits would help cover her newly rented apartment-her next step toward independence.

With her bag securely packed, Felicia slung it over her shoulder and headed toward the stairs, only to find her path blocked.

top of the staircase, his tall frame illuminated by the soft glow of the hallway lights. His expression was unreadable, but the intensity of

voice laced with restrained frustration. "Where do you

campus," Felicia replied, her tone

see it in the slight lift of her chin and the overly casual way she said it. The campus had already locked its gates for the holiday break. There was no way she was going back there. "Is that so?" he asked, his

without hesitation, her face

presence making the narrow landing feel even smaller. "Are you

low,

her head

leaned

between them. But Stephan didn't move back. Instead, he leaned

hers.

to cut," Felicia countered quietly, her tone as

It was a dangerous glint that warned of his

she felt herself lifted

instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her effortlessly down the hallway. For a brief, panicked moment, she thought he

master bedroom and unceremoniously dropped her onto the

soft that Felicia bounced slightly upon landing, her bag slipping off her