Chapter 58
It was nearly two o’clock in the morning.
Stephanie nestled in Vincent’s arms. Listening to his heartbeat quicken slightly, she frowned and asked, “Why is your heartbeat so fast? Let me check your pulse. You don’t have any heart–related issues, do you?”
Vincent chuckled and tightened his grip on her voluptuous waist. “That’s because you’re in my arms.”
Stephanie’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Then I should probably stay away from you. Otherwise, I’m afraid you may develop a heart condition over time.” she said as she attempted to withdraw from his arms.
Heheld her tighter.
“No way! I’d rather have a heart disease than lovesickness!”
She laughed. “Why are you so good at sweet talk? Have you ever said that to others?”
He replied, “No, I’ve only said it to you.”
She teased him, “I don’t believe it. You’re so good at it. You must have practiced many times.”
He inquired, “Do 17”
Stephanie nodded, then shook her head. “Not sure. Let me try and evaluate again.”
Her hands, resting on his chest, slowly cradled his handsome face as her lips met his. Her delicate tongue gently brushed across his thin lips.
Stephanie smiled coyly. “So sweet!”
Vincent’s Adam’s apple bobbed as the woman he desired for many years was in his arms, and he could not hold on any longer.
He rolled over, pinning Stephanie down, and looked at her beneath him, whose eyes were sparkling. His voice sounded husky. “Stephie…”
Their lips met, and both of them began to breathe heavily.
His fingertips opened her pajamas. His kisses trailed down her tanned neck, landed on her delicate collarbone, and wandered over her chest.
Her hands threaded through his firm strands of hair, yet the wound on her shoulder throbbed in pain as she exerted force.
His kiss paused on her beautiful waistline. He took a deep breath, climbed above her, and kissed her smooth forehead sincerely.
He gazed at her clear and bright eyes. “I’ll wait for you to recover.”
He got out of bed. “I’m going to take a shower.”
Stephanie sat up and tidied her pajamas. “I can help you.”
Vincent’s gaze darkened. “Help me?”
Stephanie pursed her lips. “Come here.”
“Stephie…” He knelt on the mattress.
Stephanie’s fingertips touched his sturdy abdominal muscles, and her gaze fixed on the black edge around his waist.
Chapter 50
Forty minutes later, Vincent carried her to the restroom and stood behind her to wash her hands.
Stephanie pouted and felt regretful about that decision.
He appeared completely satisfied. His low and magnetic laughter came through as he kissed her cheek. “Stephie, you’re awesome!”
Stephanie muttered, “I had known it would be this tiring, I wouldn’t have helped you.”
After turning off the faucet, Vincent took a towel to dry her hands. He then turned her around and lifted her delicate chin with his fingertips. “There’s a
saving
She was curious. “What?”
He answered, “There’s no turning back once started.”
She was startled
It was nine o’clock in the morning when Stephanie woke up. Vincent had left a message for her at quarter past seven in the morning, informing her he had gone to the office
She clicked her tongue lightly and could not help but marvel at his good mental state.
They were up until almost two in the morning, yet he still got up so early.
After sending him a good morning image, she freshened up, then changed into a long dress from Style Jazz Couture and headed downstairs.
On the living room couch, Frederick and Edith were chatting with Christina.
They immediately stood up and greeted her when they saw her.
Stephanie smiled and greeted, “Frederick, Edith, Christie, no need for all the niceties. Please take a seat!”
Frederick nodded. “Vincent told us it was all your credit that we were able to find out who was behind the scenes.”
She smiled lightly. “It’s just a small matter. Don’t worry about it.”
Edith wiped her tears. “It’s not a small matter at all. We were deceived for so many years. Stephie, you’re not only talented but also intelligent. You’re
truly our savior!”
Christina burst into laughter. “Mom, your praise sounds so fake.”
Edith gave her a reproachful look. “It’s not! I’m speaking the truth.”
Christina cleared her throat. “You have to say it like mine. Stephanie is like an angel descended from heaven and a drop–dead gorgeous woman that everyone adores Flowers bloom in her presence, and cars get flat tires at the sight of her!”
Stephanie chuckled and thought, ‘Christine is indeed adorable!‘
She said, “Thank you for the compliment, Christie, although it sounds even more fake.”
Everyone laughed,
Edith uttered, “Vincent told us we can share Christie’s condition with you. You’ll pass it on to Dr. Summer.”
Stephanie nodded. “Yes, I’ll inform her. Edith, feel free to ask anything you want.”
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Chapter 58
Edith pondered for a moment. “Christie has partial memory loss now. Will she recover her memory in the future? I always feel like her falling down the stairs incident is quite suspicious.”
Stephanie replied. “I’ll ask Dr. Summer for you, but I think it’ll take some time for Christie to recover this part of her memory. Letting the memory.come back naturally is the best approach. Perhaps, at some point, she’ll remember without needing to force it. Trying too hard may not yield good results and.
could increase mental stress.”
Frederick agreed, “You’re right.”
Edith glared at him. “It’s all your fault.”
y a word.
Frederick opened his mouth but could not say a
Stephanie beamed. “Christie is awake now, and she’ll get better over time. We should cherish each other more. Edith, don’t blame Frederick either. He doesn’t want things to be like this.”
Edith nodded. “Okay, I’ll listen to Stephie!”
Stephanie grinned and looked at Christina. “What are your plans, Christie?”
Christina responded, “I want to attend university, but I’m not sure if I can get good grades for the exam next year after studying for a year.”
“Of course, don’t worry! You have to believe in yourself,” Stephanie encouraged her.
Christina nodded. “I’ll keep up
up with you, Stephanie!”
It had been a week since Austin was rescued from the basement, but he still had not woken up. Stephanie was very anxious but had no choice and could only wait patiently.
On that day, she, as usual, finished doing sketches in her studio before heading to the hospital.
As soon as she entered the ward, she saw Austin staring at the door.
Stephanie was first taken aback, then quickly walked over and spoke emotionally. “Grandpa?”
Austin called, “Stephie.”
Stephanie cried tears of joy. “Grandpa, do you still remember me?”
He replied, “Of course! How could I forget my dear granddaughter?”
“That’s great. Let me check your pulse.” Stephanie did a pulse diagnosis for him. “It’s just poor blood circulation, nothing major” After all, Austin had mild brain damage, so he unavoidably would experience some impact.
“Do you remember things from before? Stephanie asked tentatively.
Austin thought for a moment. “It seems like I can’t remember much.”
“Grandpa, do you remember who put you in the basement?” Stephanie probed.
Austin tried to recall his memories. A commotion came from outside the ward when he was about to speak.
Horace and Matilda were banging on the door,“Let us in! My father is in there!”
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Chapter 58
Stephanic stood up, quickly walked over, and flung the door open,
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