Return of the Crowned Heiress Chapter 366

Chaug 16:

The moment Felicia stepped out earlier, he had the perfect shot lined up. He could have accomplished the job in one shot.

But that overly attentive young agent had hovered around her so persistently that he couldn’t get a clear shot.

Three days.

He gave himself three more days to complete the job. Baldy cleaned his rifle and muttered to himself.

Meanwhile, at the Russell Estate, Stephan had been in his study for over ten hours since receiving a new investigative lead yesterday afternoon. He hadn’t stepped out since.

The maids had tried delivering food to him multiple times, but they didn’t dare to bother him.

By morning, the door to the study still hadn’t opened.

Johanna tried to knock but was stopped by one of the subordinates guarded by the door. “Ms. Johanna, Stephan instructed us that no one is allowed to disturb him.”

Johanna frowned and murmured, worried, “But he hasn’t come out for so long, I’m concerned… Just let me check on him, please. Just one quick look!”

No matter how much Johanna pleaded or pouted, the subordinate remained stone–faced and did not budge. He was as emotionless as a statue

Finally, he replied in frustration, “Ms. Johanna, this is the second floor and you should not be

here.”

Johanna froze.

The study was on the second floor, which was also Stephan’s private quarters.

On her very first day here, she had been explicitly forbidden from going to the second floor.

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Johanna initially followed the rules but grew bolder over time, constantly trying to seek attention.

If no one had called her out on it, things could have stayed as they were. But when someone pointed it out, the final piece of her facade was ripped away.

Johanna felt utterly embarrassed and stomped away in frustration.

In the study, Stephan sat on a leather chair, and his expression was calm and unreadable. His long, clean fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk subconsciously.

A thick stack of documents laid before him. It contained the latest investigation lead on Jacob’s death and the subsequent sinking of the ship.

All the evidence pointed toward the former wealthiest family of Khogend, the Fullers.

The hitmen had worn masks when attacking, leaving no obvious clues. However, a button was found in an inconspicuous corner of the ship.

It was likely dropped by one of the hitmen.

The button was made of a common material, but Stephan’s subordinates had poured an immense amount of effort into tracing its origins.

From its manufacturing factory to distribution channels, this exhaustive investigation finally uncovered a significant clue.

A year ago, the Fuller family had discreetly assembled an elite group of battle–hardened mercenaries.

Dexter had hidden them well, training them in secret and ensuring that no one knew about these deadly subordinates.

But no secret could last forever. With enough persistence, someone would eventually–uncover

the truth.

Stephan’s subordinates discovered that Dexter’s men were always wearing uniforms with buttons of the same material and design.

Additionally, on the very day of Jacob’s death, Dexter was coincidentally out in the sea. attending an event.

He had attended the maritime banquet but left earlier, claiming that he was drunk on that night.

The location of the banquet was only an hour’s journey away from where Jacob’s incident occurred, which was dangerously nearby.

If Dexter had orchestrated the attack, the timing and location worked perfectly in his favor.

Jacob had died, and the items he was carrying had disappeared. If those items ended up in Dexter’s hands, he would have hidden it securely, not letting a single hint slip.

Otherwise, the Fuller family would be threatened

Not only would Dexter doom himself, but everyone in the Fuller family would be in danger too.

No one could handle Stephan Russell’s rage.

The worst part was if the items were known, countless people would come swarming like sharks, plunging the Fuller family into chaos and violence.

Normally, Stephan would have taken action immediately, whether it was Dexter or not.

But this time, he hesitated.

When his subordinates asked whether they should take action, Stephan’s first thought wasn’t about the missing item or Jacob’s death. It was about Felicia Fuller.

After all, she was still Dexter’s daughter.

Even though she had been kicked out of the Fuller family and had publicly cut ties with them, Stephan knew better than anyone that some bonds could never be truly broken.

If Stephan acted against Dexter and the Fullers, how would Felicia feel?

Just like a few days ago at the storeroom, Felicia might believe his intentions were manipulative and that every interaction between them had been part of a calculated plan.

The reason Stephan had rushed to Khogend from Seldvale was because of her. When Felicia went missing, he abandoned everything just to make sure she was safe.

But now… She would never believe him again.

Stephan closed the file and tossed it into the drawer, then summoned one of his subordinates and ordered, “Close this investigation. These findings must never be leaked.”

“But Mr. Russell…”

The subordinate, stunned and confused by the order, hesitated before asking, “But what about the item we threw away?”