Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 324

Felicia was missing, her whereabouts completely unknown.

While others might afford to take their time, there was no way Felicia could afford to wait. And Stephan? He could hardly stand still. If he could, he would fly straight to Khogend without delay. Every second felt like a wasted eternity.

"Take care of Imogen," Stephan barked over his shoulder before striding out the door.

His command was met with a unified, disciplined response from the maids, bodyguards, and everyone else within earshot.

"Yes, Mr. Russell!" they echoed in sync.

Watching Stephan leave in such a hurry, Johanna sighed quietly as she approached Imogen, ready to soothe her disappointment. "Imogen..."

Before she could say anything more, Imogen's face suddenly contorted in pain. Her hand flew to her stomach, and beads of sweat broke out across her forehead.

"It hurts... It hurts so much..." Imogen gasped, doubling over. Her voice was weak, trembling.

"Imogen!" Johanna cried.

"Ms. Russell!" one of the household staff yelled.

Then, someone's voice rang out in alarm, "Blood! She's bleeding!"

All eyes turned toward Imogen's skirt, where a crimson stain had begun to spread.

"My baby..." Imogen whispered, her voice barely audible. Then, her body went limp, and she collapsed into unconsciousness.

"Get the car!" someone shouted. "We need to get her to the hospital!"

The Russell residence, usually serene and orderly, erupted into chaos.

Stephan had barely made it to the private airstrip at the back of the house where his jet was prepped and waiting for departure when he heard the commotion. He stopped dead in his tracks and turned back.

The aircraft's doors were open, the flight path was cleared for Khogend, and the jet stood ready to take off.

But it sat there, empty, waiting for Stephan, who didn't board.