The dark expression of those in the living room lightened slightly upon hearing Stephen’s answer.

Sophia asked, “Are you saying you already have a plan in mind?”

Stephen nodded and explained his plan to them in detail.

After he was done, Rowena still had a frown on her face and said, “It’s still too risky. You’re the Jacobson family’s only heir. I refuse to allow you to take such a risk!”

“Yes, Stephen. You can’t go. In my opinion, we should just call the cops and leave Tessa’s rescue to them. James will definitely kill you if you go,” Jacqueline piped up.

Stephen’s face turned stone cold. His gaze was piercing and filled with warning. “I said—no calling the police.”

“I’m just worried about you, Stephen,” Jacqueline murmured, feeling aggrieved. She sounded as if she was one more glare away from crying. She was partly pretending, but not entirely; she was genuinely afraid that Stephen wouldn’t survive the ordeal.

Stephen ignored Jacqueline and turned to Caleb, Sophia, and Rowena. “Dad, Mom, Grandma, this is the best rescue plan we have right now. Just do as I say. I need you to cooperate with me.”

Rowena shook her head stubbornly. “I disagree with this plan. You can’t go.”

Stephen tightened his jaw, his expression indifferent. “Grandma, I’ve already made my decision.

The implication was clear. Her opposition was futile.

“Y-You…” Rowena trembled with anger. “Are you really going to risk your life for a woman? Fine. It seems my old bag of bones might as well be dust in your eyes. I’ll tell your grandfather about this, and we’ll see just what he has to say about this!”

Caleb became nervous when he saw how agitated Rowena was becoming. Thus, he hurriedly patted her back in an attempt to calm her down. “Mom, don’t get worked up. Your heart might act up again.”

Caleb was truly at his wit’s end. Rowena had suffered a heart attack not long ago and nearly died on the operating table. With how upset she was right now, he genuinely feared that Rowena might succumb to her violent emotions before Tessa was even rescued.

“Stephen, you can’t do this. Grandma’s heart is weak as it is, and she can’t handle the stress of losing you. You can’t scare her like this. If something happens to you, Grandma…” Jacqueline trailed off.

She was using Rowena as leverage in the face of Stephen’s stubbornness. She might act as though she was trying to persuade him, but in reality, she was pressuring and threatening him.

Stephen had been devising a rescue plan after he ended his call with James.

His plan was indeed the best possible plan of action they had. Frankly, Stephen could’ve gone straight to Silverstone and not return to the Jacobson residence.

However, James’ threat that he would have Tessa killed if they

called the police made him hesitate Stephen Worried that the Jacobson and the Yates families might panic and inadvertently ruin his plan. Thus, he rushed to the Jacobson

residence to explain his plan to his family.

Just as tension was running high, Samuel and Marianne finally arrived in a flurry of anxiety.

“What’s going on? Is there any news about Tess?” Samuel demanded nervously the second he entered.

Stephen promptly divulged all he knew.

“What? You’re saying that James is behind Tess’ abduction?”

Samuel lost his cool. His eyes went wide with rage as he lurched forward to take a swing at Stephen, only to be stopped by a quick-thinking bodyguard.

“Samuel, calm down,” Caleb urged.

“Calm down? Tell me just how am I supposed to calm down?” Samuel’s eyes were bloodshot as his chest heaved violently. “You told me that James would leave the Yates family alone as long as the engagement was off! So, why did he go after Tess? I demand an explanation right this instant!”

In juxtaposition to Samuel’s rage, Stephen remained relatively composed.

He had an apologetic look in his

eyes as he patiently said in a steady tone, “Mr. Yates, Tess’ life is in grave danger. Now isn’t the time for

justice I need you to work wit

me

to save Tess. Once Tess has been rescued, I promise you’ll get the juštice you deserve.”

Stephen then shared his plan with Samuel.

Samuel’s expression softened slightly when he heard about Stephen’s willingness

to risk himself to save Tessa. His surging emotions gradually calmed. “We’ll do as you say.”