Tessa stood still as she watched that familiar figure approach step by step. The sharp, chiseled features of his handsome face became clearer through the rain.

The short distance between them seemed to soften Stephen’s usually stern brows as if the damp air had melted away some of his edge.

He stopped in front of her and gazed at her with eyes filled with warmth and joy. His voice was slightly hoarse as he spoke. “Tess…”

Her eyes remained cool as she tilted her face slightly to look at him. “Is something wrong?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Seline has been rescued.”

Her eyes widened instantly, and her voice rose with excitement as she stepped forward. “Really? Where is she? Has she returned to the country? Take me to see her!”

He replied gently, “Yeah. She just arrived in Rivertown. I sought you out for this.” “I’ll go with you.” Her eyes started to glisten, and she whispered, “Thank you…” Stephen’s throat tightened. His voice was rough as he said, “You don’t have to thank me.”

She followed him to the car. As he opened the door for her, he instinctively placed his hand above the frame to prevent her from hitting her head.

She noticed this. Her eyelashes quivered as she lowered her gaze, saying nothing.

After closing her door, he walked to the driver’s side, got in, and started the car.

“Do you want to grab breakfast first?” he asked, glancing at her as they waited at a red light.

She shook her head. “No, I just want to see Seline as soon as possible.”

“Alright,” he said without pressing the matter.

He picked up his phone and sent a message to Lawrence.

“Prepare a spread of food-egg and cheese sandwiches, beef sausages, scrambled eggs with bacon, pancakes with maple syrup, and a side of oatmeal. ”

They were all her favorites.

Lawrence replied, “Got it, Mr. Jacobson.”

Inside the car, it was just the two of them. Silence filled the air.

The traffic light eventually turned green.

As the car started moving, she suddenly asked, “Was it the police who rescued her, or… your people?”

His tone was calm. “The local police had already been bought off by James.”

In other words, Stephen’s people had done it.

She pressed her lips together. “Are they alright? Did anyone get hurt?”

He paused for a moment. Was she concerned about his men?

Didn’t that mean she was concerned about him too?

A faint trace of joy touched the corners of his eyes and brows.

bet

He replied “James held Seline in a military base in Ashbourne. His men were armed. A few of my people were seriously injured.”

Her body tensed. As expected, her expression became gloomy when

she heard that people were ind

during the operation.

MS

Discreetly watching her reaction, he quickly added, “But don’t worry, none of them are in critical condition

They just need some time too recover.”

Only then did she exhale in relief. “That’s good.”

After a brief silence, she asked, “Did you notify my dad and Ms. Connors?”

He replied, “Yes. They’re on their way there now.”

She hummed softly in response before lowering her eyes as if lost in thought.

He couldn’t help but glance at her reflection in the window.

Seeing her heavy expression, he took the initiative to start a conversation. “Why you wake up so early today?”

did

“I haven’t been sleeping well lately,” she replied absentmindedly.

He said, “Now that Seline’s safe, you can finally get a good night’s sleep.”

Tessa lifted her gaze at his words, and her eyes met his.

“Are you sure James won’t retaliate?”