Tessa blinked at Stephen, momentarily dazed. “Why are you still here?”

And more importantly-why had he gone to the trouble of preparing such a feast?

Stephen casually untied his apron. “I figured you’d wake up hungry, so I picked up some groceries and made lunch.”

Tessa rubbed her eyes, her sleepy voice unintentionally stirring something deep in his chest. “Well, aren’t you just the perfect husband?”

“Only for you,” Stephen murmured, his gaze warm and unwavering.

With a gentle push, he escorted her toward the bathroom. “Tess, be good. Go freshen up first.”

After washing up, Tessa returned to the dining table, where a mouthwatering spread awaited her.

Stephen had prepared three dishes and a stew-roasted broccoli, fried chicken, spicy shrimp skewers, and a hearty pork and potato stew. Every single one was her favorite.

Having skipped breakfast, she was absolutely famished.

Now fully awake, she picked up her cutlery and eagerly took a bite.

Stephen sat across from her, his gaze full of affection as he watched Tessa eat.

“Is it to your taste?” he asked softly.

“Mhm!” Tessa nodded enthusiastically. “Your cooking is always my favorite.”

“Stephen, you should eat too. Don’t go hungry,” she continued, her eyes twinkling. Stephen chuckled. “Tess.”

“What?” she asked, meeting his gaze.

His smile deepened, his almond eyes filled with tenderness. “Watching you eat is enough to satisfy me.”

Tessa instantly choked on her food, coughing violently. Her face burned red as she bit her lip, completely flustered. “W-Why would you say something like that?”

Stephen let out a soft laugh, his face brimming with affection. “Alright, no more teasing. Just enjoy your meal.”

At Jacqueline’s private villa, a man in a black security uniform stood motionless, his head bowed.

“Ms. Sanders, Susan has been taken by Mr. Jacobson’s men.”

Jacqueline’s eyes burned with fury, her teeth gritted in frustration. “Why didn’t those idiots finish her off? Worthless fools!”

fools!”

“Indeed,” the bodyguard replied emotionlessly.

She suddenly spun around, her glare sharp as a blade. “You’re just as useless as the rest of them!”

“Indeed.”

Her patience shattered. “Get the hell out!”

Without hesitation, she snatched the cup beside her and flung it at the bodyguard.

The porcelain smashed against his forehead, shards biting into his skin. Blood trickled down his face, yet he stood motionless.

“Make sure Susan doesn’t live to talk. Only dead men keep secrets,” Jacqueline spat.

“Yes,” the bodyguard replied.

“Now get out of my sight.”

Without hesitation, the man turned and strode out.

Jacqueline’s eyes grew cold as she stared at the shattered porcelain on the floor.

“Susan, don’t blame me for being

ruthies he mused. “Blame it

on

vel

your own bad luck. And don’t

worry-once you’re gone, your father won’t be far behind.”