Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 472

So, now that the real map had disappeared and the Carrells refused to admit it was in their possession, they had chosen to use the Fuller couple as "living maps" instead.

In the end, it was karma getting back at them.

Felicia felt conflicted. She couldn't understand why the Fuller couple had gone to such lengths, dragging themselves into this inescapable vortex. Were they really risking everything, even their lives, just to protect Kayla?

Seeing her displeased expression, Stephan explained, "Before I spread the news about the Carrells, they had already taken the Fuller couple with them."

In other words, it wasn't his doing, so he couldn't be blamed.

Felicia couldn't help but laugh. Stephan, a man known for his decisive, ruthless actions that struck fear into the hearts of others, was someone who dealt with people coldly and mercilessly.

Yet in this matter involving the Fuller couple, Dexter had stolen from him, feigned ignorance, and even sent the item to an auction house as an act of provocation, exposing the secret to the world.

Anyone else would have been dead a hundred times over by now, but he tolerated the Fuller family time and time again.

Felicia knew the reason why.

This thoughtfulness and consideration he had for her was something he showed but never spoke of.

Felicia blinked and leaned forward, planting a quick kiss on Stephan's lips before retreating just as swiftly. She said softly, "I understand."

Stephan, too, caught the meaning in her eyes. With a faint smirk, he asked, "That's it?"

"What else do you want?" Felicia pointed toward the convoy outside, reminding him, "Stephan, you're supposed to leave now."

As soon as she finished speaking and began backing away, Stephan grabbed her. Startled, she thought he would kiss her with his usual domineering, tyrant-like fervor. But to her surprise, this time, his kiss was achingly gentle.

It left Felicia stunned, stuck in a daze.

She opened her eyes to look at Stephan. He, too, gazed deeply into her eyes. His expression was focused, almost reverent, as he lowered his head slightly. He traced her lips with careful precision, lingering and exploring.

The world fell silent, leaving only the sound of their racing hearts.

Felicia choked on her own saliva. Thankfully, she had trained herself to maintain a calm exterior, so no one noticed anything unusual.

Stanley cluelessly called out, "Mrs. Russell, are you going out? I'll bring the car around."

Felicia nodded at first. She did need to go out. Previously, she had been taking cabs to get around. Having a driver on call now was definitely much more convenient.

However, she suddenly realized something and asked, "Wait a minute. What did you call me?"

"Mrs. Russell."

She was rendered speechless.

She initially wanted to correct him, but seeing the silly, cheerful grin on his face, she let it slide. Maybe this was part of Stephan's "dowry" too.

The thought brought a bright smile to her face.