Stephen had just returned to the Jacobson residence when Jacqueline’s car pulled into the underground parking lot of the very same residence.

The two entered the villa one after another.

Rowena, Caleb, and Sophia were sitting on the couch, waiting for them in the hall.

Stephen looked harried as soon as he entered, saying, “Tess’ friend was the one who called the police because they couldn’t reach her and worried that something bad had happened. The police then contacted the Yates family to confirm if Tess was missing.

“The police still have no idea that James is the one behind it. Since she has only been missing for a few hours, they can’t and won’t file a missing person’s case just yet.”

Stephen’s expression was stern, and his dark eyes were cold. “James called and wants me to meet him alone_”

“You can’t! Stephen, you can’t go alone!” Jacqueline interrupted him before he could finish speaking.

Jacqueline had been in a fantastic mood ever since she learned that James had abducted Tessa. She had even been humming a tune on her way home.

However, her good mood evaporated the second she heard Stephen say he planned to rescue Tessa alone.

Jacqueline, who was extremely agitated and nervous, blabbered, “James definitely won’t let you leave that place alive. It’s too dangerous for you to go alone. We should call the police and have them accompany you!”

Stephen frowned and intoned severely, “No, we can’t tell them anything. If James finds out we’ve gotten in touch with the police, he’ll kill her immediately.”

Jacqueline promptly replied, “Her friend has already called the police, so they’re aware that Tessa is missing.”

Stephen answered, “As I just mentioned earlier, the police don’t know that Tess was abducted. There won’t be an issue as long as we get the Yates family on board and convince them to tell the police that she’s been found. Then, we can come up with a plan to rescue Tess.”

Caleb asked, “How do you plan to save her?”

Stephen replied resolutely, “James is after me. I’ll exchange myself for her.”

Caleb shouted, “Are you insane?”

Jacqueline shrieked, “You can’t!”

Rowena exclaimed, “I object!”

The three voiced their opposition to his suggestion almost in unison.

A grim look adorned Sophia’s brow as she asked Stephen, “Is there no other way about it?”

“I have to go,” Stephen said in a tone that brooked no argument.

Jacqueline protested, “It’s not worth trading your life with hers! How can Tessa’s

life compare to yours, Stephen?”

Stephen’s icy gaze swept over her upon hearing her words.

His gaze was filled with warning and

mingled with anger. Jacqueline’s

protest caught in her throat. She

parted her lips, but the words

refused to leave.

The next moment, Stephen said coldly, “I don’t want to hear those words out of your mouth again.”

Jacqueline’s eyes turned red-rimmed as she bit her lower lip, feeling aggrieved. “Stephen, is Tessa really more important than your life?”

“Yes.”

There wasn’t even a sliver of

hesitation

on his part. That single

word left the entire Jacobson family speechless, and the hall fell deathly silent.

After a long, stifling pause, Rowena scowled in anger and rebuked him. “You’re being outrageous!”

Caleb’s expression was no better. “Stephen, have you forgotten your grandfather’s words?”

“No,” Stephen responded, his

expression placid. “You don’t need to worry. It’s true that Tessa is worth

more to me than life itself, but I’m

not so foolish to trade my life for

hers. Neither of us will survive this if I go alone.”