Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 534

Tears welled up in Johanna's eyes again as she choked out, "I missed you too… Archie."

After their moment of tenderness, Johanna seemed to recall something. Grabbing the man before her, she asked anxiously, "Archie, weren't you on that ship when the accident happened? I thought you were really dead… I almost wanted to give up on living!" She then started sobbing.

"You silly girl. Aren't I standing right here in front of you now?" The man gently wiped away her tears and said softly, "Time is tight. I'll explain everything to you later."

"Johanna, you must return to that old woman's side and ensure her child is born safely!"

Johanna pouted, a flicker of jealousy and resentment flashing in her eyes as she snorted. "Are you more concerned about the baby in her belly or that old woman, huh? Hmph!"

"My darling, don't you already know who I care about most?" Archie chuckled indulgently while he continued his intimate actions. "I told you, I missed you so much that I was about to go crazy!"

Johanna gasped softly, her heart filling with joy and sweetness from their reunion. The jealousy and resentment melted away quickly. She replied, "Don't worry, I've been taking good care of her and the baby. They're both fine and healthy."

"That's good. My plans are almost complete."

Archie smiled, but a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. "Once Stephan is dead, Imogen will have no one else to rely on but me, and the child in her belly…

"Johanna, it won't be long before the Russell family is ours. I'll protect you, and we'll never have to be at anyone's mercy or bullied again! I promised you that I'll always protect you, love you, and be your rock," Archie said as he planted a kiss on her forehead. "Trust me, Johanna."

"Of course, I trust you. In my life, no one will ever be more important than you."

The two of them embraced tightly, savoring the fleeting joy of their reunion.

Elsewhere, Andy, who had finished his patrol, was heading toward them. When he didn't immediately spot Johanna by the stream, he panicked and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Ms. Rosario! Ms. Rosario! Where are you?"

Still, it made sense. Solving such "problems" outdoors could be embarrassing for anyone.

Satisfied with that explanation, Andy glanced briefly at the bushes again. Seeing nothing but thick grass and calm surroundings, he thought nothing more and followed Johanna back to camp.

Perhaps it was the coolness of the stream or the beauty of the scenery, but Johanna's mood visibly improved. She even became noticeably more attentive and cheerful toward Imogen.

Imogen, smiling, teased her, "You should take a break too. Aren't you tired from all this running around? Come, sit here. Let me wipe your sweat."

Johanna replied with a grin, "I'm not tired. How could I be? The baby in your belly is my little precious too. Taking care of you is only natural!"

"Oh? So I'm no longer your sister-in-law now?" Imogen raised her eyebrows playfully, her unfocused eyes glinting as she teased.