Stephen’s expression darkened. “Of course, I will hand her over to the authorities. But before that, I will expel her from the Jacobson family and make her answer for what she has done.”

His words were vague and didn’t specify how he planned to deal with Jacqueline.

Tessa didn’t press further.

Half an hour later, the Cullinan drove into an unfamiliar area and slowly came to a stop.

Tessa looked around in confusion. “Where is this?”

“This is my base. Jacqueline is being held here,” Stephen explained.

Getting out of the car, Stephen took Tessa’s hand. “Stay close to me. It’s big inside, and I don’t want you to get lost.”

Tessa let him lead her, quickening her steps to keep up.

The winter night air was bitterly cold. Stephen slipped Tessa’s hand into his coat pocket. The warmth of his palm spread to hers, easing the cold.

Earlier, the car had driven straight in and parked at the entrance of the main building. While in the car, Tessa had only caught a glimpse of the place, but seeing its interior clearly left her stunned.

It was already past ten at night, but there were still people training everywhere. Groups of people, under the command of team leaders, trained in organized and disciplined manners.

Despite the freezing winter night, with temperatures hovering around 28 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, many were dressed in thin clothing, some even bare- chested.

Their physiques were undeniably impressive. Each man was over six feet tall, and those who were bare-chested were all muscular and strong.

In terms of looks, however, it was a mixed bag. Tessa glanced around and saw a few who were decent-looking, but most were fairly average.

“What are you looking at?” Stephen’s voice came from above her.

Tessa felt a bit guilty and quickly averted her gaze. “It’s my first time seeing people wearing vests in the dead of winter, so I was curious and looked a little longer.”

Stephen explained indifferently, “Their training intensity keeps them warm.”

Tessa absentmindedly murmured, “Oh.”

“Good evening, Mr. Jacobson! Good evening, Mrs. Jacobson!” Suddenly, a loud, synchronized shout echoed through the night.

Startled, Tessa flinched. She looked up and saw that, at some point, the previously dispersed trainees had gathered in neat rows in front of them, standing straight and tall.

Stephen nodded coldly and remained silent.

Tessa looked puzzled and asked, “Do they… all know who I am?”

“Yes.”

Stephen shouted to the crowd, “Resume your training.”

“Yes, sir!” The loud voices echoed again.

The crowd dispersed in an orderly manner and returned to their training.

“Let’s go, Tess.” Stephen continued leading Tessa inside.

The interior of the main building was luxuriously bright, resembling the lobby of a five-star hotel. The crystal chandeliers sparkled, wall paintings adorned the walls, and the spotless floor was so polished it reflected their images.

Stephen led Tessa inside a room.

“Tess, please wait for me here. The

bais dark, damp, unheated,

and dirty. You shouldn’t go in there. There’s a surveillance system, and you can see what’s happening on the big screen in this room. ”

The room was spacious and warmly heated, furnished with vintage-style mahogany furniture and leather couches.

A round mahogany table was laden with desserts and hot drinks.