Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 162

"Right this way." Shawn led the way confidently, his face finally showing a trace of satisfaction. He couldn't help but pat himself on the back for his cunning plan.

Earlier that afternoon, he'd nearly been caught by Arnold while trying to deal with Felicia, but luckily, he'd been quick enough to hide and avoid blowing his cover. However, Kayla kept pestering him relentlessly. She even threatened to reveal his hideout in Alverton to his creditors if he didn't act soon. Just the thought of Lance's ruthlessness made Shawn break out in a cold sweat. He couldn't afford to wait any longer.

So, after coming down from the mountain and spotting Lucas, a brilliant idea struck him. Kidnapping the little brat and hiding him away would no doubt cause a stir, but it was the perfect bait to lure Felicia into letting her guard down.

It turned out that his plan worked like a charm. Shawn grinned widely. Once he got rid of Felicia here in the mountains, whether by throwing her off a cliff or burying her on the spot, the money would be his. After that, he could slowly scheme his way into taking over the rest of the Fuller fortune. Sooner or later, it would all be his.

But as he turned to face Felicia, his grin vanished. It was replaced with concern as he upped his act. "Felicia, you and I grew up in Alverton. You know how dangerous this mountain can get at night. Who knows if there will be wolves around."

Felicia snickered. "There's one right in front of me, isn't there? A greedy and foolish wolf."

Shawn's face stiffened. His fake facade cracked for a split second into malice, though he quickly covered it up. "Always so quick to insult me, huh? Fine. I'll let it slide for old times' sake. I won't stoop to arguing with a girl like you."

By now, they had reached the back of the mountain. In Felicia's memories from her childhood, there had indeed been wolves here. They had once attacked the villagers until Charles led a hunt to kill two of them. Since then, the wolves had been kept away. But this was still deep in the mountains after all. There were still plenty of other dangers lurking. If Shawn had actually tied Lucas up here, it would be too dangerous for a child.

That was precisely why Felicia, despite knowing Shawn's ill intentions, had come along without hesitation.

Once they reached the dense forest, Felicia dropped the act. She demanded coldly, "Where's Lucas?"

Shawn yawned and pointed in a random direction. "There. See?"

Felicia immediately pointed her flashlight over to the direction he indicated. In the light, she could make out what seemed to be a person tied behind a large tree partially hidden by vegetation. But because it was dark and the tree blocked her view, she could only see a small section of rope tied around the tree.

Seeing this, Felicia hurried over. What she failed to notice was the trap laid out in front of her. It was a deep pit camouflaged with leaves and branches. The beam from her flashlight pulled her attention ahead, causing her to overlook the danger beneath her feet.

Felicia took two steps in that direction.

Just as Felicia was about to step into the trap, Shawn flexed his wrists and pulled a knife from behind his back. With a triumphant grin, Shawn was going to take the chance and strike her from behind.

But who would've guessed that when Felicia was just a single step away from the pit, she stopped.

Shawn faltered, confused by Felicia's sudden halt. Fortunately, he was quick to react. Years of facing off against Felicia had taught him a thing or two. He realized that Felicia must have noticed the trap. Without missing a beat, he rushed forward, determined to finish the job.

In the moonlight, the blade gleamed coldly as it sliced toward Felicia's waist. Yet, as if she had eyes on the back of her head, Felicia moved to the side just in time.

Shawn's momentum was too powerful to stop, and with a startled yell, he went flying headfirst into the trap he'd set up himself.