Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Stephanie went straight to her bedroom upon returning to Tranquil Garden,

She started the computer and hacked the transportation bureau to wipe her tracks. Then, she changed into a set of long-sleeved trousers and sat in front of the dressing table..

The reflection in the mirror showed a woman with a pale face.

Stephanie dabbed on some powder and applied lipstick, gently pressing her lips together.

She looked much better. She smiled, stood up, and went out of the bedroom to the kitchen to cook pasta.

Sophia followed her into the kitchen.

“Mrs. Fletcher, what are you doing?” she asked.

“I want to cook pasta,” Stephanie said with a smile.

“Is Mr. Fletcher hungry?” Sophia asked.

“Yes.” Stephanie nodded.

Sophia frowned. “Mrs. Fletcher, why are you sweating so much?”

Stephanie pulled out a tissue and wiped her face. “Maybe it’s too warm here.”

“Feeling warm?” Sophia glanced at her attire and remarked, “It’s summer now. You must be feeling hot in those long-sleeved trousers.”

Stephanie smiled and nodded. “Yes, you’re right. But I had cold food today, and it gave me a stomachache, so I thought wearing something warm might help”

Upon hearing that, Sophia grabbed her arm and said, “Please take a seat, I’ll cook the pasta,”

The sudden jerk sent a sharp pain shoot through Stephanie’s shoulder.

She sat down on a chair, took a deep breath, and placed her hand over the wound, wincing.

“What’s wrong? Is there anything wrong with your shoulder?” The man’s low and deep voice came through.

Stephanie looked back and saw Vincent standing at the kitchen door.

She jumped off the high chair and ran to him happily. “You’re back, Vincent!”

Vincent was reminded of Summer and how she had injured her shoulder.

He couldn’t help asking, “What’s wrong with your shoulder?”

Stephanie’s heart quivered, but she didn’t reveal any of her emotions. “Nothing I’m exhausted from work today.”

“Come here,” said Vincent, looking at her with a deep gaze.

Stephanie smiled. What’s wrong?”

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Chapter 42

Vincent couldn’t help but feel skeptical as Stephanie didn’t rush to him and sit on his lap like she always did.

“I want to hug you,” he said.

Right then, Sophia dropped her spoon.

Taking the opportunity, Stephanie turned to Sophia and asked, “Sophia, are you okay?”

Sophia was genuinely surprised by Vincent’s words. In her mind, he had always been seen as a reserved and dignified man. Despite his loss of masculinity, it didn’t lessen his formidable aura

“I’m fine, Sophia stuttered

Stephanie grabbed Sophia’s hand and said, “Your hand is scalded. I’ll apply some ointment on it, or it will

“Mrs. Fletcher, I’m fine.. Sophia insisted.

“you need treatment,” said Stephanie seriously. “It’s so serious. Wait for me in the living room. I’ll be right there.”

was confused as she looked at her uninjured hand, but she complied with the lady of the family and left the kitchen.

Stephanie placed the spoon into the sink, turned off the stove, and refilled the bowl with pasta using another spoon.

he served the pasta along with the cutlery

She looked at Vincent and said, “Take your time. I’ll apply ointment to Sophia.”

sensed that she was trying to avoid him, so he pursed his thin lips and said, “Then, return after applying the ointment.”

“Okay” said Stephanie with a smile

She hurried out of the kitchen and took a deep breath, realizing that she couldn’t hide it any longer.

After applying medicine to Sophia, ten minutes had passed.

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She hesitated to enter the kitchen until she figured that Vincent had likely finished the pasta. However, to her surprise, he was still there, and the bowl of

pasta on the table had turned sogRY

Stephanie pursed her lips and walked up to him. “Why didn’t you gát?”

(incent pulled her into his arms and stared deeply at her. “You are not enthusiastic for me today.”

“Maybe I’m not in the mood today” Stephanie could feel her back getting covered with sweat.

“How about i massage your shoulders?” he asked.

sensing that Vincent might be testing her, Stephanie smiled and replied, “No, thanks. But could you give me a massage if i need one next time?”

Noticing the fuser in her eyes, Vincent smiled. “Okay”

He maneuvered his abeelchair to the dining table Stephanie intended to feed him, but he insisted that he could eat by himself.

Stephanie

opposite him and watched

“You didn’t make it?” Vincent suddenly asked.

Chapter 42

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“You can tell?” Stephanie blinked her eyes.

“Well, it’s not as delicious as the food you cook,” he admitted,

“I’m a little lazy today. Can I cook it for you next time?” she said.

Vincent smiled and said, “Okay.”

After dinner, Stephanie wheeled Vincent back to the bedroom and said, “Go to bed early.”

Vincent held her finger with his fingertips and caressed it. “Won’t you sleep with me tonight?” he asked.

His s**y voice trailed off. Stephanie felt a surge of electricity course through her fingers.

Vincent’s invitation made her eyelashes flutter nervously. It was indeed a test for her.

‘How could I refuse him? Vincent has such great abdominal muscles!” she mused.

However, thinking of the throbbing pain in her shoulder, Stephanie gritted her teeth and declined, “I’ve been a burden for so many days. I’ll sleep in my

own room tonight.”

She feigned a yawn and said, “It’s getting late. Time for bed. Good night!” Then, she headed toward her bedroom.

“Wait!” Vincent called out

“What’s wrong?” Stephanie turned around.

“Don’t I get a good night kiss?” he asked.

Noticing that there was no one in the corridor, Douglas bent over and kissed him on the cheek. “Good night, Vincent.”

Vincent could vaguely smell alcohol and blood.

Stephanie went back to the bed room, leaned against the door, and heaved a sigh of relief, hoping that Vincent wouldn’t suspect her.

Because of the injury, she was a little tired. After washing up, she went to bed.

After Vincent had gone back to his room and taken a shower, he felt that something was amiss.

After that, he sat in front of the computer and proceeded to delete the surveillance footage along the way, only to find that it had been completely

deleted.

‘Douglas must have asked Hacker Yerri to do that. After all, he is feeling guilty now, he thought.

At midnight, the door was gently pushed open, and the wheels of the wheelchair emitted a faint glow. Vincent glanced at the silhouette on the bed and furrowed his brows.

Stephanie enveloped herself in the quilt

Vincent stood up and pulled the quilt off her, feeling a surge of warm air,

He then put his hand on her forehead.

Stephanie had a fever.

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Chapter 42

Vincent immediately turned on the wall lamp and found that Stephanie’s face was red, and her breath was hot.

“Stephie? Stephie?” Vincent called her name.

Stephanie hummed and didn’t open her eyes. “I’m so thirsty!”

Vincent’s suspicion of her piqued. He unbuttoned her loungewear and pulled it off her shoulder.