Just a few minutes earlier, when Stephan's line was busy, Imogen had called Thomas instead, complaining of stomach discomfort. Hearing this, Stephan rubbed his throbbing temple. After all, she was his only sibling, his sister, who had shielded him as children, losing her eyesight in the process. And there was more; Imogen's heartbreak ran deep. Her fiancé, Archie, had died a month before their wedding, lost at sea under circumstances intricately linked to Stephan. Archie's death had shattered her, and the only thing grounding her now was the child she carried. If anything happened to the baby, Stephan knew Imogen might not recover. "Got it," he muttered.

Stephan left the office and returned to the Russell residence.

In the front yard, Imogen sipped juice, her cheeks flushed, her demeanor lively. There was no trace of the discomfort she'd claimed earlier. Stephan's jaw clenched, his sharp eyes darkening.

Hearing his footsteps, Imogen turned. A maid beside her quickly announced, "Ms. Russell, Mr. Russell is here."

She set down her glass, saying with mild irritation, "So busy you can't even take my calls? Well, since you're here, come with me and Johanna to Frosty Chapel. I haven't been out in ages." Stephan suppressed his annoyance. He'd rushed over because of her supposed illness; clearly, she'd used it as an excuse to summon him.

He replied, his voice cool and detached, "If you wish to go out, feel free to bring along any house staff or bodyguards—however many you need." Imogen's expression shifted in surprise, though her gaze remained distant. Her heightened senses instantly detected his impatience; she felt the full force of his frustration.

"Are you mad at me?" Imogen's voice trembled, a hint of hurt in it. Her fingers clenched involuntarily as she thought of her blindness, her dependence, and now, her brother's apparent annoyance. Tears welled in her eyes. "Do I even matter to you anymore? Am I just a burden now? If you can't stand me now, how will you treat me in the future?"

Stephan took a deep breath, forcing himself to speak calmly. "Imogen, I really am busy. I'll be out of Seldvale for a few days. When I'm back, I'll take you to the chapel, alright?"

But she wasn't listening. All she heard was that he was leaving again. He'd only been back a few days, and now he was already planning to leave. Imogen grew more upset, her emotions spiraling as she thought of her earlier promises to Johanna. She'd been so confident today's plans would work out. Now this felt like a slap in the face.

"Be honest with me, Stephan. Are you running off to see some woman?"

Stephan froze, his gaze narrowing.

"Is it that actress, Abbie?" she pressed. "I heard rumors about you giving her resources. Is it true?"

"It's not," Stephan replied flatly, dismissing her suspicion. But his eyes flicked to his phone; he was still waiting for updates on Felicia's whereabouts.

Imogen relaxed slightly. "Good. Don't waste your time with people like her. I'd never approve."

Her relief was short-lived. She heard Johanna's soft footsteps approaching and felt an urgency to salvage her plans.

"Fine, I won't stop you if you have urgent business. But can't you delay it by just one day? I just want to visit the chapel today and make a wish."