Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 352

Stephen's words caught Felicia off guard. So, the reason Stephan had rushed back to Khogend, leaving everything behind in Seldvale, was because he thought she was in danger as she had been unreachable?

She recalled what Mike had mentioned—that during her seven-day disappearance, Stephan had deployed numerous resources to find her.

Pressing her lips together, Felicia forced a small smile. "So, it seems I owe you another favor?"

Her tone was polite but distant.

Stephan's expression darkened, his frustration barely contained. He chuckled bitterly. "Yes, you're right. I do have ulterior motives for coming to Khogend."

"Oh..." Felicia let out a small exhale, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

But her apparent relief only stoked the fire within Stephan. To him, it seemed like she was desperate to sever any ties between them as if his presence was something she wanted to avoid at all costs.

Was he that intolerable?

A heavy silence lingered between them as Stephan's jaw tightened. His hand around her waist instinctively clenched tighter as though trying to anchor her. But something inside him shifted when his gaze locked onto Felicia's calm, detached eyes.

Without a word, his hand loosened, and he stepped back.

For a fleeting moment, Felicia saw a flicker of the man she had first met—the one who exuded a cold, unapproachable air. The same unyielding indifference and aloofness now seemed to build an impenetrable wall between them had returned in full force.

Stephan turned and left.

When he arrived, his commanding presence had parted the crowd in the clinic. His sharp gaze had found Felicia instantly, his steps purposeful and resolute. There had even been a softness in his expression when he looked at her, a rare moment of warmth that thawed his otherwise icy demeanor.

But as he walked away, his demeanor turned sharp and oppressive. A storm was brewing beneath his surface. The chilling air he left in his wake silenced the entire hall. The senior physicians and assistants, who had been busy moments before, froze, a collective shiver running down their spines.

Felicia emerged from the herb storeroom soon after, her expression calm and collected as if nothing had happened. Spotting Kerry still lingering around, she raised an eyebrow. "Thinking about skipping out on your bonus? Get going and buy the herbs."