Chapter 214

Chapter 214

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On the fourth day after Julianna left, Graham arrived at Vincent’s office with a stormy look on his face. He slumped down in the visitor’s chair and said, “I can’t find her. Help me out.”

Vincent paused his contract review and looked up. “You could ask for something else.”

Graham narrowed his eyes slightly. Vincent, I’m surprised you’re afraid of your wife.”

Vincent’s lips curled up slightly, “At least I have a wife to be afraid of. Unlike someone, his wife disappears, and he doesn’t even get the chance to worry.”

Graham hadn’t expected Vincent to be so whipped, utterly under his wife’s thumb. “I’m really worried about Julianna. We had a misunderstanding, and I think Stephanie surely doesn’t want Julianna to be unhappy, right?”

Vincent chuckled. Julianna said, Out with the old, in with the new She’ll find a man who makes her happy.”

Graham: “You’re going to end up friendless if you keep this up.”

“Why do I need friends? Is it as sweet as having a wife?” Vincent laughed softly, “Sorry, I forgot you haven’t experienced the sweetness of having a wife.”

Graham voiced his suspicion. “I had people search for Julianna’s whereabouts, but they couldn’t find anything. If you’re not helping me look, could it be your doing?”

Vincent’s eyebrows lifted slightly, “Not at all. Julianna probably had someone cover her tracks.”

“I hired a top–notch hacker, but they came up empty–handed. I can’t think of any other big shots besides you.” Vincent shrugged. There are plenty of formidable people who can hide themselves. I’m not the only skilled one.” Suddenly Graham had an idea, “If you won’t help me, I’ll seek out Hacker Yem.”

Vincent pondered for a moment, “Hacker Yern? That person hasn’t taken jobs for a long time. But you can try your luck.” Hearing this, Graham felt a sinking feeling; it seemed he would have to take his chances. After leaving the Fletcher Group, Graham settled into his car and had his people reach out to Hacker Yern, hoping he would come online.

Meanwhile, Vincent called Stephanie. “Still busy?”

Stephanie gave a soft hum, “About to take a break. I’ve just finalized the drug formula. We start trials tomorrow.”

Vincent knew that Stephanie was tirelessly working on the antidote. Although he was eager for her success, he didn’t want to pressure her. “You’ve worked hard.”

“Vincent, Stephanie’s voice was hoarse, betraying her fatigue, “The trial phase will likely take about two months.”

Vincent bit his lip slightly, “Stephie, don’t feel pressured.

“Whether or not I’m under pressure is up to you,” she said, mas ging her temples. Vincent, no matter the outcome of the trial, you can’t entertain thoughts of leaving me again. Your previous idea scared me.”,

Tm sorry, Stephie. I won’t do it again.”

She allowed herself a small smile, I’ll trust you for now.”

When do you finish? I’ll come to get you”

「家78%1

10:32 Thu, Oct 10

Chapter 214

Stephanie glanced at her watch. “In about three hours. I’ve agreed to meet Sable at the Astrum Vertex Restaurant at seven.

“Then I’ll be at the research institute at six

“Okay” After hanging up. Stephanie went back to preparing for tomorrow’s drug trials.

By the time Stephanie finished packing up and glanced at the time, it was already a quarter past six. Knowing that Vincent was always punctual, she quickly gathered her backpack and hurried down the stairs of the research institute. Outside, the light by the institute’s entrance cast a dim glow. Vincent was leating against the back door of the car, his tall frame outlined in the gathering dusk, with a cigarette held between his fingers, the embers a red slash against the darkening sky. When he spotted her approaching, Vincent pinched out the cigarette. He opened the passenger door and presented a bouquet of red roses. Stephie, he called.

With a little leap, she jumped off the last step and threw herself into his arms. Vincent looked at her, a doting smile crossing his face and through the bunch of roses, he asked, “Tired, huh?”

“Exhausted! You’ll have to give me a good shoulder rub when we get home, she declared.

“A shoulder rub? Are you sure? Vincent raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes.

Stephanie blinked, playing innocent, “What, are you thinking something unhealthy?”

Orie

“Isn’t a shoulder rub just a euphemism for something more intimate? Or are you hinting at something else?” he teased. Stephanie gave him an annoyed look and lightly huffed as she took the flowers from his hand, “Stop twisting my Vincent softly ruffled her hair. “I’m only thinking what you’re thinking”

Holding back a smile, Stephanie didn’t continue the banter, ready to get in the car. Vincent, ever the gentleman, held the passenger door open and Stephanic climbed inside.

As she sniffed the sweet scent of the roses, Vincent slid into the driver’s seat, leaned over, and drew close to Stephanie. Her gaze fixated on his handsome face suddenly so near, she involuntarily closed her eyes.

Do

o you want me to kiss you?” The humor in his voice was unmistakable

With a start, Stephanie’s eyes flew open, somewhat annoyed, “No! It’s just that you make me sleepy, that’s all!”

“Do I make you sleepy? Or do I make you want to go to sleep?” Vincent said, the innuendo clear.

Frowning at the double entendre, Stephanie knew only too well that beneath the austere exterior of this man was a surging passion as hot as lava. As she opened her mouth to retort, his kiss descended upon her.

Vincent’s lips clung to hers, leaving her breathless, his gaze undisguised with emotion. “Is it the former or the latter?” he

murmured between kisses.

Caught in a daze from the fervor of the kiss, Stephanie realized he was referring to their earlier banter about the word sleepy” She stubbornly replied, still feigning disinterest, “It’s literal”

“Really?” His kiss deepened.

“Figuratively speaking, she whispered back, her arms wrapping around his neck eagerly responding. The past few days had been long and taxing, reducing their intimate moments to mere sleep when Stephanie got home. Now, with both longing for each other and the moment ripe with desire, their emotions were inflamed. But the timing wasn’t right, and Stephanie gently pushed him away, “Let’s wait for tonight. Now, we’re supposed to go out for dinner.”

“I’d rather not, especially to let another ne jealousy in his tone.

you, even if he the one who saved our lives, Vincent said, a touch of

2/3

10:33 Thu, Oct 10.

Chapter 211

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A flicker of playful irritation crossed Stephanie’s eyes, shimmering like water, “You’re jealous over that? Sable should be leaving tomorrow. I doubt well see much of him after that.”

“Let’s hope so.” Vincent couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling brewing inside him.

After buckling Stephanie’s seatbelt, he drove towards the arranged meeting place. At seven o’clock sharp, they arrived at Astrum Vertex Restaurant. As Vincent and Stephanie got out of the car, they saw a man in a white coat, light–wash jeans, and a backpack, taking off his black cap to greet them by the restaurant’s steps.

Stephanie greeted him with a smile, “Looks like we’re late

Timing is perfect, Sable replied with a sunlit smile that seemed to melt worries away. “I’m going to have a feast tonight. After all. I’m heading to Astoria tomorrow, and it’ll be a while before I can savor such delicious Clusian food again.”

Hearing Sable was leaving lifted Vincent’s spirits. “Dinner’s on Stephie and me. Order whatever you like and don’t restrain yourselves

“Will do,” Sable said with a nod, falling into step beside Stephanie as they made their way towards the main entrance. Suddenly, a man darted towards them, a flash of silver reflecting in Stephanie’s eyes.