Return of the Crowned Heiress Chapter 426

It was only thanks to Stephan’s quick reflexes and unmatched strength that the worst had been avoided. As he caught Felicia mid–tall, he planted a powerful lock on Frank’s chest, using the momentum to roll them both to safety. They landed away from the edge, unharmed.

Frank, however, wasn’t so lucky. Dragged by gravity and unable to regain his balance, he plunged straight into the grinding machine below. The horrific sound of metal tearing through flesh was the only marker of his end–there wasn’t even time for him to scream.

“Let’s get out of here,” Milke said, shielding Sandra’s eyes from the scene. He didn’t want her to see any of it.

As for whether Frank had accomplices or if someone else had orchestrated the kidnapping, Mike left those questions to his men to handle.

His team had now arrived and taken over the cleanup. They secured the area and ensured no loose ends were left.

Sandra still hadn’t woken up. Her face was flushed, and her hair was soaked with sweat.

Felicia checked her pulse and exhaled in rellet. “She was given a mild sedative. It’s not a heavy dose, but she’s also running a low–grade fever from the shock. Give her some medicine, and she’ll be time. Nothing else to worry about.

Mike’s tension finally eased. He tamed his gaze to the subdued attackers on the floot, his expression growing darker and his anger sharper

“Thank you, Felida,” Mike said eamestly, “You saved my daughter. You saved both of us, really. If you re willing, I’d like to have Sandra officially call you her godmother. She’ll owe you a lifetime bi gratitude;”

He paused, then added, “And, of course, there’s Stephan, But he’s already her godfather, so there’s not much more to say on that front.‘

The suggestion caught Felicia off guard. She glanced at Stephan instinctively, but he had already retreated to the car, his demeanor as distant and cold as ever.

“Typical,” she thought.

Felicia politely declined, “It’s late, and Sandra still has a fever. You should get her home and let her rest”

Mike nodded. “Alright, I’ll take her back. You can ride with Stephan. He’ll take you home.”

Before Felicia could protest, Mike disappeared with his daughter in his arms, leaving no room for argument.

It was obvious he had noticed the unspoken tension between her and Stephan and had deliberately created an opportunity for them.

Felicia sighed, rolling her eyes. Before she could dwell on it, Mike paused at the door and added, “By the way, Felicia, Stephan might have gotten hurt saving you. I don’t think it’s menor

Felicia froze. She recalled how her own back acted from the tall even though Stephan had taken the brunt of the impact. How bad must his injuries be?

All initation vanished as she quicklyushed toward Stephan’s car. She yanked the door open, climbed inside, and shut it behind her in one smooth motion.

Stephan, seated in the back, glanced at her. His expression was impassive, but his eyes carried their usual frosty indifference. He said nothing.

The driver, now highly aware of the situation, subtly adjusted the rearview minor before starting the cart.

The spacious back seat was filled with a bravy, awkward silence.

Felicia shifted slightly, her gaze landing on Stephan. Something about his posture struck her as off. Normally, he lounged lazily in his seat, but this time, his body leaned slightly to one side, stift and deliberate.

Then, she caught a faint metallic scent in the air–blood.

Her stomach dropped Felicia reached out and touched his back. Her fingers brushed against something wet and sticky. She drew her hand back, and sure enough, her fingertips were coated in blood.

The black shirt he wore masked everything, but the wound beneath was clearly bleeding.

“You’re hurt,” she said, her voice sharp with concern. “Let me see.” Η

She moved to unbutton his shirt, but Stephan shifted away, his tone calm and distant. “It’s nothing.”