Stephen roughly explained the assailant’s situation to the Yates family before leaving a card behind. “Mr. Yates, this is a small token of compensation. Please accept it.”

Samuel was displeased by Stephen’s actions. After all, money wasn’t an issue for him. His hard gaze fell on the card as he huffed, “Don’t bother. I’d be far more appreciative if you apprehend James as soon as possible.”

Stephen endured his future father-in-law’s belligerence for Tessa’s sake. In fact, his attitude was impeccable. He nodded slightly. “Of course.”

Before Stephen took his leave, Tessa started packing away her things and said calmly, “Stephen, I’m coming with you.”

Samuel shot her an icy glare as his expression darkened.

Tessa sighed. “Dad, they only hurt you to force me out of hiding. You, Ms. Connors, and Seline will only be safe if I make myself a target.”

Marianne was taken aback. “Tess, we have bodyguards now. We’ll be fine, but you have to be careful!”

Samuel snorted coldly. “There’s no need to continue with your marriage if marrying into the Jacobson family brings such danger to our family.”

Tessa froze as her heart sank. Upon hearing those words, she felt as though she had been plunged into an abyss.

She was well aware that Samuel was being serious and wasn’t joking around at all.

To make matters worse, she had no grounds to oppose him.

That was because Seline and Samuel had gotten into harm’s way, not her.

She couldn’t possibly continue to selfishly prioritize her romance while her family suffered because of it.

Tessa’s voice was strained as she answered, “Dad, I’ll talk to Stephen about this.” Samuel replied gravely, “Yes, you should.”

…

Stephen had parked his car in the hospital’s underground parking lot.

The car’s heater was on full blast. So, Stephen took off his coat, revealing a black shirt and tie underneath. He was dressed like an elite businessman, which meant he had rushed all the way to the hospital from Jacobson Corporation.

Tessa parted her lips and finally broke the silence, saying, “Stephen, let’s talk.” Stephen lowered his gaze, hiding his emotions. “What do you want to talk about?”

Tessa felt her heart clench. She couldn’t bring herself to say the words she knew she had to say.

Her family had been targeted and hurt because of her. She could no longer continue to selfishly hold on to her love and happiness and put them in harm’s way.

Seline had been kidnapped a few days ago, and someone had pushed her father

yesterday. Who else was next?

Would it be Marianne? Or would it be her this time?

A deep silence fell over the two.

The heater made the car feel rather stuffy.

Stephen tugged at his tie and rolled down the car window slightly.

The cool wind rushed in, instantly blasting them with crisp, refreshing air.

Tessa carefully began, “You heard my father-”

Tessa had barely even started when Stephen hit the gas, causing Tessa to lurch forward. The words she failed to get out of her mouth slid down her throat.

She pursed her lips and silently fastened her seatbelt.

Stephen drove fast, fueled by his emotions.

Tessa could only press herself against the passenger seat as her heart pounded away in trepidation.

The bodyguards who had been following them were startled. “What the fuck? Where’s Mr. Jacobson’s car? Where did it go?”

His partner broke into a cold sweat. “No way, man. Did we seriously lose them?”

The bodyguard in charge of driving punished the steering wheel in frustration. “Damn it, Mr. Jacobson was driving so fast just now. He’s got a Bugatti La Voiture Noire! How is my crappy car supposed to keep up with that? What do we do now?”

The bodyguard in the passenger seat hastily whisked out his phone. “I’ll call Mr.

Jacobson to ask where he drove off to.”