Chapter 322

Just a few minutes earlier, when Stephan’s line was busy, Imogen had called Thomas instead, complaining of stomach discomfort. Hearing that, Stephan rubbed his throbbing temple.
After all, she was his only sibling his sister who had shielded him when they were children, losing her eyesight in the process.
And there was more. Imogen’s heartbreak ran deep. Her fiancé, Archie, died a month before their wedding and became lost at sea under circumstances that tied back to Stephan in complicated ways. Archie’s death left her shattered, and the only thing keeping her grounded now was the child she carried. If something happened to that baby, Stephan knew Imogen might not recover. “Got it.”
Stephan left the office and headed back to the Russell residence.
In the Russell residence’s front yard, Imogen was sipping on juice, her cheeks flushed and her demeanor lively. There was no hint of the discomfort she had claimed earlier.
Stephan’s jaw clenched, his sharp eyes darkening.
Hearing his footsteps, Imogen turned toward the sound. A maid beside her quickly informed her, “Ms. Russell, Mr. Russell is here.”
She put her glass down and said in a tone laced with mild irritation, “So busy you can’t even take my calls? Well, since you’re here now, come with me and Johanna to Frosty Chapel. I haven’t been out in ages.” Stephan suppressed his annoyance. The only reason he had rushed over was because of her supposed illness. Clearly, she had used it as an excuse to summon him.
Stephan suppressed the flicker of irritation in his chest. He replied, his voice cool and detached, “If you want to go out, feel free to bring along any of the house staff or bodyguards-however many you need.” Imogen’s expression shifted in surprise even though her gaze remained distant.
Her heightened senses immediately picked up on his impatience. She felt every ounce of his frustration and irritation.
“Are you mad at me?” Imogen’s voice trembled, a tinge of hurt slipping through.
Her fingers clenched involuntarily as she thought of her blindness, her dependence, and now, her brother’s apparent annoyance. Tears welled in her eyes.
“Do I even matter to you anymore? Am I just a burden now? If you can’t stand me now, how will you treat me in the future?”
Stephan took a deep breath, forcing himself to speak calmly. “Imogen, I really am busy. I’ll be out of Seldvale for a few days. When I’m back, I’ll take you to the chapel, alright?”
en
But she wasn’t listening. All she heard was that he was leaving again. He’d only been back for a few days, and now, he was already planning to leave.
Imogen grew more upset, spiraling in emotions as she thought of her earlier promises to Johanna. She’d been so confident that today’s plans would work out. And now this? It felt like a slap in the face.
“Be honest with me, Stephan. Are you running off to see some woman?”
Stephan froze, his gaze narrowing.
“Is it that actress, Abbie?” she pressed. “I heard rumors about how you supposedly gave her all kinds of resources. Is it true?” “It’s not,” Stephan replied flatly, brushing off her suspicion.
But his eyes flicked to his phone again. He was still waiting for updates on Felicia’s whereabouts.
Imogen relaxed slightly. “Good. Don’t waste your time with people like her. I’d never approve.”
Her relief was short-lived. She heard Johanna’s soft, deliberate footsteps approaching and felt an urgency to salvage her plans.
“Fine, I won’t stop you if you have urgent business. But can’t you delay it by just one day? I just want to visit the chapel today and make a wish.”