Michelle smiled and said, “Tess, you must be tired from work. Come, eat up.”

Tessa picked up her cutlery but didn’t have much of an appetite.

Her mind was still reeling from the terrifying experience she had on the road today.

This was her first brush against death. She had almost lost her life today.

She was still lost in thought when Stephen returned.

“Tess, are you okay?” Stephen asked, his expression tight with worry and anxiety. He quickly approached her and placed his hands on her shoulders before bending down to examine her carefully.

Tessa snapped out of it. “Stephen, you found out?”

Stephen hummed in acknowledgment and pulled her into a tight embrace.

He had nearly lost her.

“Stephen, I have a feeling that James was behind it. I can’t think of anyone else other than him.”

Sure, Jacqueline definitely hated her guts the most. However, Jacqueline had also been arrested by the police.

So, the most likely suspect was none other than James.

Stephen tightened his grip around Tessa, and his dark eyes glinted dangerously. “I’ve looked into it and James has indeed returned to the country.”

Tessa stiffened upon hearing his answer.

“Tess, please try to stay home and work remotely for now,” Stephen suggested.

“Is he… Is James really that terrifying?” Tessa asked hesitantly.

Stephen let Tessa go, but his hands never left her shoulders. He looked into her eyes and said seriously,

can’t take that gamble, Tessiet

thought of you almost getting Kurt today nearly made my heartdurch out of my chest in fright. You mean so much to me-more than my own life.”

Stephen’s eyes reddened as he continued, “I’m confident I can win against James. He might be ruthless, but I can be worse. However, he’s practically a machine. He has no weaknesses. I’d even call him inhuman. That’s not the case for me. I have you. Tess, I can’t risk you getting hurt because of me.”

The dining room was brightly lit, and the food on the table emitted an enticing

aroma.

The television was playing the evening news, and the news anchor’s voice was faintly audible from the living room.

Tessa lowered her gaze as her eyes glistened with tears. She murmured, “Stephen, am I a burden to you?”

Stephen’s eyes reddened further,

and they were filled with guilt. “What are you saying, Tess? I’m the one who has burdened you. Jacqueline wouldn’t have targeted you if it weren’t for me. James wouldn’t even know who you were if it weren’t for me.”

Tessa slowly shook her head. “You haven’t burdened me. I’ve never once thought that.”

“But I do think that, and this is a fact.” Stephen sighed wearily. “Please stay home for the time being, okay? I’ll come to keep you company.”

Tessa nodded obediently. “Okay.” Then, she tilted her head and asked, “Stephen, can you help me look into someone?”

“Who is it?”

“Leon McGraw,” she answered.

A cold glint flashed in Stephen’s eyes. “Is he the man who tried to beat you up with his thugs today?”

“Yes.” Tessa nodded. “I have a hunch that he has a backer. It doesn’t make sense for a small-time factory owner like him to hire thugs to teach me a lesson. He acts like he’s part of the mafia.”

Stephen replied, “I’ve already sent my subordinates to investigate him.”

“Good,” Tessa said with satisfaction.

“Tess, let’s eat before the food gets cold.” Stephen pulled out a chair and sat next to her.

“Alright, you’re joining me for dinner.”