Stephen took Tessa’s hand out of his coat pocket and held it in his palms, rubbing them gently.

“These desserts and hot drinks were prepared just now on my orders. If you get hungry, have something to eat. If you need anything else, let me know, and I’ll have someone prepare it.”

Tessa shook her head. “That’s not necessary.”

Stephen led Tessa to the couch, picked up the remote, and turned on the large screen in front of them. With a few casual presses, the screen displayed a surveillance feed of the basement.

“This is the basement.”

The display was divided into four smaller screens, showing different angles of the basement.

In one of the screens, Jacqueline’s face was clearly visible.

Tessa’s hand tightened slightly. She stared at the screen, subconsciously slowing her breathing.

From another angle, the full view of Jacqueline was visible. She was curled up in a corner, her hands and feet bound with rope. Her face bore injuries, and her eyes were filled with fear and despair.

Tessa pursed her lips, her jaw set.

The first time they met, Jacqueline had once seemed innocent, pretending to be sweet and gentle.

During that incident at the horse ranch, Jacqueline had called her “Tessa” in a sweet tone, begging her to teach her how to ride. Tessa had helped her in good faith, but Jacqueline had deliberately framed her, accusing her of pushing her into harm’s way.

Fortunately, Stephen hadn’t been fooled by Jacqueline’s deceit.

Tessa’s brows furrowed, confusion written in her eyes. “Why would she do those things? If she simply disliked me, she didn’t have to go that far.”

Stephen replied, “That’s what I don’t understand either. I’ll ask her directly in a moment.”

Tessa lowered her eyes and softly hummed in response. She sat on the couch, her expression difficult to read, as if lost in thought.

Stephen crouched in front of her, taking her hands in his and meeting her eyes. “Tess, wait for me, alright? If anything happens, just call me. I’ll go to the basement and take a look.”

“Alright.”

“Good girl.” Stephen ruffled her hair before standing up and leaving the room.

Not long after, Stephen’s figure appeared on the surveillance screen. He stood about three or four feet away from Jacqueline.

“Steve! Steve, you finally came to see me!” The moment Jacqueline saw Stephen, she seemed to lose control, crying loudly and trying to run toward him.

Her voice was hoarse, making her desperate cries sound frightening.

But her hands and feet were bound, and the ropes were secured to the iron gate next to her. Jacqueline was tied up like a dog, with no dignity whatsoever.

Stephen’s brows furrowed, and a cold air surrounded him.

“Who gave you permission to call me that?”

Watching from the screen, Tessa heard the pain and longing in Jacqueline’s voice as she called out, “Steve.” And suddenly, everything became clear.

Jacqueline had feelings for Stephen, perhaps even love. Tessa faintly sensed that Jacqueline’s actions might have been driven by her feelings for Stephen.

She held her breath, staring intently at the screen.

Hearing Stephen’s cold response, Jacqueline froze, then suddenly let out a bitter laugh.

“Why can’t call you that? Or would you rather I just call you ‘brother’2 After all, I’ve always been fond of my big brother.” Her tone carried an unsettling warmth, her faint smile strangely intimate.

Stephen’s frown deepened. “Do you even know what you’re saying?”

“Of course I do! I like you! I love you, Stephen! Can’t you feel how much I love

you?” Jacqueline’s hoarse voice echoed as she shouted.

“Are you wondering why I did all those things? Hahaha! Of course it was all for you! After all these years, have you still not realized how feel? Jacqueline cried as she laughed.