“What did you just say?” Tessa asked.

She stared at Zachary with wide eyes that were filled with disbelief. Even her voice had risen higher.

Her reaction pleased Zachary greatly because it meant he had correctly guessed it. Tessa had no idea that Susan had been kidnapped as the Jacobsons had suppressed the news.

The revelation brought much joy to Zachary, who straightened his posture. At a frame of over five feet and nine inches, his height allowed him to tower over Tessa, adding to the imposing air he gave off.

Zachary’s eyes were lightly deprecating as he said, “Did you really think that Stephen wouldn’t develop feelings for a woman who pursued him for ten years? Heh. You’re as naive as ever, Tessy. You don’t understand the mind of a man at all.”

Tessa’s gaze was lowered to the ground. She didn’t speak, making it hard to tell what was on her mind.

Zachary continued speaking, “Susan was taken away by the police on the day of your engagement. Later on, she told them that she was pregnant. She was kidnapped while she was on the way to the hospital for her check-up.

“Think carefully now. Who in Rivertown has the authority to forcefully take someone from police custody in broad daylight?”

The answer was obvious. The most powerful family in Rivertown was the Jacobsons. Tessa didn’t want to think about the possibilities. Her heart was caught in her throat, resulting in her slightly trembling fingers.

It couldn’t be… Stephen wouldn’t do this! He told Tessa that she was the only one

in his heart. Yet, his declaration couldn’t explain the existence of the recordings that Zachary just played for her.

Tessa’s heart was in chaos.

Zachary stayed quiet for the time being, allowing Tessa to stew in her turbulent thoughts. After a few minutes passed, he broke the silence. “Susan kidnapped your sister and tried to kill you. When she tried to stab you, Stephen took the blow in your stead. She had almost killed Stephen!

“By all logic, the Jacobsons would never forgive Susan for everything she had done. Think about it, though. Susan had already been arrested by the police. Why would they kidnap her the moment she said she was pregnant?”

Tessa’s brows knitted together tightly while her lips were pressed into a thin line. She continued to remain silent.

“Why don’t you take a guess as to whose baby Susan is carrying in her belly?”

It was as if Tessa had been struck by lightning. Her entire body trembled violently and uncontrollably. “Shut your mouth!” she yelled.

Her emotions were a mess. She lifted her eyes and glared daggers at Zachary. “Stop spouting nonsense! Stephen isn’t like that! He’s not like you! Don’t think everyone is just like you!”

A hint of hurt flickered in Zachary’s eyes. His chest tightened uncomfortably. In Tessa’s heart, Stephen was perfect while he wasn’t.

Zachary suppressed the feelings of hurt in his chest. He calmed himself down, putting on a mask of indifference while letting mirth seep into his gaze again. “I speak nothing but the truth. Tessy, you’re too trusting of Stephen. Why would he

hide what he’s doing from old he

you if he wasn’t feeling guilty?”

“Get out of my sight!” Tessa bellowed.

He shrugged his shoulders and chuckled lightly. “Stephen is with Susan right now.

Why don’t you try calling him?”

“Stop trying to come between us!”

She shoved Zachary with all the strength she could muster. She turned on her heel, ready to enter her apartment.

Zachary wrapped his hand around Tessa’s wrist and yanked her clean out of the doorway. Tessa lost her balance and nearly fell, but he was there, wrapping one arm around her waist to steady her. He lowered his head, burying his nose in her hair and taking a deep breath,

The way Zachary looked at her almost made him look drunk. “Tessy, leave him.

Come back to me.”