“Watch out, Tess!” Stephen’s voice rang out from behind Tessa.

Everything happened in a flash. He yanked her into his arms just as a mix of acid was tossed onto the ground, singeing the carpet beneath them.

Tessa frowned.

The bespectacled man standing before her glared at her with seething rage as if she were his mortal enemy. His eyes burned with the desire to tear her apart.

He was the one who had splashed the sulfuric acid earlier on.

If Stephen hadn’t pulled her away, she would’ve suffered grave injuries.

“You bitch! You knew he was taken, but you still stuck your nose in their relationship! You ruined DeeDee’s account. Go to hell!” the man yelled.

Tessa’s frown deepened.

So, he was one of Wendy’s brainless fans.

Her lips curled in disdain, and her eyes were filled with disgust. “You’re beyond stupid.”

“Who are you calling stupid? You shameless woman!”

Stephen’s expression darkened. Without hesitation, he kicked the man hard in the stomach. “Shut up!”

Stephen had a commanding presence and was impeccably dressed-clearly not someone to mess with.

“Catch him!” Stephen shouted.

Two tall, muscular bodyguards immediately blocked the man’s escape route.

Stephen turned to Tessa with concern. “Tess, are you alright?”

Her gaze remained cold as she said in a steady voice, “Call the police.”

Minutes later, the police arrived and took the man away.

Stephen, however, showed no signs of leaving.

Tessa frowned. “Why are you still here?”

Stephen’s gaze was unwavering as he said, “Nancy is my cousin.”

Tessa raised an eyebrow. “I know. So what?”

His throat tightened. “I broke up with you to protect you from James.”

Tessa scoffed. “How ridiculous. The breakup happened. The engagement was called off. So tell me, why did James still kidnap me and Seline?”

He fell silent.

Her icy stare pinned him in place. “Stephen, you’re unbelievably self-righteous.”

“I’m sorry, Jess,” he said in a voice heavy with anguish. “Please… give me another chance. I swear I’ll make

it up to you. I’ll treat you bett make

time.” .

“Not interested,” she replied flatly.

this

Without so much as another glance at him, she called out to the front desk,

“Stephanie, see the guest out.”

Just then, Lester entered the firm and walked straight into the scene.

“Mr. Jacobson,” Lester greeted casually with a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips. His gaze flicked over Stephen with amused curiosity. “Are you here to hire one of our lawyers?”

Stephen stiffened. “What are you doing here?”

Lester chuckled. “I’m a partner at this law firm.”

Stephen’s eyes widened as he turned to Tessa in disbelief. “Tess, did you partner with him?”

How could she team up with Lester, of all people? He had been eyeing her for years.

Annoyance flashed across Tessa’s face. “Mr. Jacobson, who I choose as my business partner has nothing to do with you.”

“Tess…” His lashes quivered slightly.

“If you’re not leaving, I am.” Tessa’s patience had run out. Without another word,

she turned and headed toward her office.

Stephen moved to follow her, but Lester blocked his path.

“Mr. Jacobson, if you’re looking to hire a lawyer of ours, you can

discuss it with me,” Lester said

calmly. “Ms. Yates is too busy to entertain you.”

“Lester.” Stephen looked at him coldly. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up

to.”

Lester adjusted his glasses with a faint smile. “Oh? Then why don’t you enlighten me? What exactly am I up to?”