Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 422

Amidst the mix of scents, there was a faint, bitter trace of herbs. It was so subtle it was nearly buried by everything else.

Felicia's eyes snapped open. She climbed back into the back seat and pointed ahead. "Turn left, then make a right—"

Before she could finish, the car door on the other side suddenly opened. A cool night breeze swept in as someone slipped into the passenger seat.

Felicia instinctively glanced up and saw a sharp, chiseled profile. His complexion was pale and cold, his features strikingly defined. She could even see his Adam's apple shift when he spoke.

"Drive. I'm coming with you," came the deep, resonant voice.

It was Stephan. Felicia hadn't expected him to show up. But considering the unusual bond between him and Mike, it wasn't exactly shocking.

Stephan, now in the passenger seat, directed his words at Mike. He didn't even seem to notice Felicia in the back.

It wasn't until Mike, who kept one hand on the wheel, glanced back and asked, "What's next?" that Stephan realized someone else was there.

"Head to the bridge. Keep going straight. I'll let you know when to turn," Felicia instructed.

She rolled down the window, letting the wind toss her hair as she focused on the faint, lingering scent. Stephan caught her unusual behavior and shot her a surprised look, but she ignored him.

Following Felicia's guidance, the car weaved through the streets until it finally arrived at an abandoned fireworks factory.

The factory looked like it had been shut down for years. Wild grass had overgrown the area, and there were no streetlights—just the pale, eerie glow of the moon.

The darkness inside was stifling. It was impossible to tell whether the windows had been completely boarded up or if the building was empty.

Felicia inhaled deeply, sensing the scent still hanging in the air. "This is it. The trail hasn't faded."

Mike didn't hesitate. He stepped out of the car with deadly intensity and headed straight for the factory's large, rusted gate.

A knife glinted in the harsh light as it shot toward his lower back.

Before the blade could strike, another hand intercepted it in mid-air.

In one swift motion, the attacker holding the knife was sent flying backward, his body bending unnaturally as he crashed into the ground like a ragdoll.

Stephan had kicked him—hard.

The force of the kick was so brutal that the man twitched a few times before falling completely still.

The other attacker, clutching the steel pipe, went pale with fear. He stumbled backward, his courage rapidly draining. But after a moment's hesitation, he let out a roar and charged at Stephan in desperation.

Stephan sighed, making a sharp, annoyed sound as his patience wore thin. He sent the unlucky man flying with a single sweeping kick too.