Return of the Crowned Heiress

Chapter 323

Just a few minutes earlier, when Stephan's line was busy, Imogen had called Thomas instead, complaining of stomach discomfort. Hearing that, Stephan rubbed his throbbing temple.

After all, she was his only sibling his sister who had shielded him when they were children, losing her eyesight in the process.

And there was more. Imogen's heartbreak ran deep. Her fiancé, Archie, died a month before their wedding and became lost at sea under circumstances that tied back to Stephan in complicated ways. Archie's death left her shattered, and the only thing keeping her grounded now was the child she carried. If something happened to that baby, Stephan knew Imogen might not recover. "Got it."

Stephan left the office and headed back to the Russell residence.

In the Russell residence's front yard, Imogen was sipping on juice, her cheeks flushed and her demeanor lively. There was no hint of the discomfort she had claimed earlier.

Stephan's jaw clenched, his sharp eyes darkening.

Hearing his footsteps, Imogen turned toward the sound. A maid beside her quickly informed her, "Ms. Russell, Mr. Russell is here."

mild irritation, "So busy you can't even take my calls? Well, since you're here now, come with me and Johanna to Frosty Chapel. I haven't been out in ages." Stephan suppressed his annoyance. The

in his chest. He replied, his voice cool and detached, "If you want to go out, feel free to bring

up on his impatience. She felt every

mad at me?" Imogen's voice trembled, a tinge of

as she thought of her blindness, her dependence, and now, her brother's apparent annoyance. Tears welled

just a burden now? If you can't stand me now, how will you treat

to speak calmly. "Imogen, I really am busy. I'll be out of Seldvale for a few days. When I'm back, I'll take

en novelxo

she wasn't listening. All she heard was that he was leaving again. He'd only been back for a few days, and now, he was already planning

grew more upset, spiraling in emotions as she thought of her earlier promises to Johanna. She'd been so confident that today's plans would work out. And now this? It felt like a slap in

Are you

froze, his gaze