Chapter 1622: Chapter 1622

Chapter 1622:

As they drove along the broad road, Serena maintained a steady pace and revisited their earlier discussion.

“So, is Stefan your undercover agent in the Happer family? His recent insights suggest he’s more than just a bodyguard, doesn’t he?”

“Stefan comes from royal lineage. He begged to join my service a few years back after a defeat at my hands, so I placed him in the Happer family without much thought. It turned out to be quite beneficial.”

Harlee’s memory of Stefan was vague. Without Davenport’s mishap, Stefan might have remained forgotten. She now realized she might have underestimated Stefan. Anyone who navigated a complex royal environment so adeptly surely had his ways.

“That’s not his real look.”

Noticing Serena’s curiosity about Stefan, Harlee added before she closed her eyes to rest, “He’s a master of disguise. What you just saw was his disguised self. In reality, his true features are rather dashing.”

With that, Harlee dismissed further inquiries, shut her eyes, and mulled over the dynamics within the Happer family and Nola’s role in it. She speculated whether Nola had pilfered Serena’s luck or shielded Serena from misfortune upon returning to the Happer household.

Harlee was genuinely eager for a formal encounter with Nola.

In the living room of a seaside villa, Rhys lounged on the sofa, radiating hostility and a clear message to maintain distance. He gripped a mug, sipped lightly from it, and remained silent, though the chill in his demeanor intensified. Standing nearby, Cillian wore a grave expression, careful even with his breathing.

The thoughts racing through Rhys’ mind were a mystery to Cillian.

At the bar, Robbie and Thiago enjoyed the unfolding tension.

As Rhys’ steely gaze shifted toward them, anxiety crept up on the duo. Robbie hastened over with a grin.

“Is your coffee cold? Let me top it up for you.”

Rhys lifted his eyelids slightly, offering a disinterested glance but remained motionless, still clutching his mug.

Robbie, holding the coffee pot, hesitated whether to set it down, his smile forced. He covertly signaled Thiago and Cillian with a wink, seeking rescue from his awkward situation.

Yet, his two friends strategically avoided eye contact.

Robbie couldn’t stop himself from swearing inwardly. Had he anticipated this, he would have opted not to be so subservient and left Cillian to deal with Rhys alone.

Thiago and Cillian mirrored each other’s reactions, giving a shrug to indicate their inability to intervene. Sometimes, they had to overlook the welfare of their friends to make the best choice, given the situation.

Rhys observed the subtle exchanges and gestures among the three, then silently set his mug down and headed toward the entrance. The three exchanged puzzled looks, unsure of Rhys’ intentions.

Suddenly, the door swung open from the outside. Harlee and Serena stood there, backlit by the setting sun, casting an almost mystical aura. Harlee fixed her gaze on the man before her, eyebrows raised, eyes sparkling.

She smiled slightly and asked, “How did you know I had arrived?”

“We share a unique bond,” Rhys responded after a thoughtful pause.

Robbie and the others momentarily froze, taken aback by Harlee’s question and curious about Rhys’ awareness of her return. Hearing his cryptic reply, they simultaneously facepalmed, turned away, and acted as though they had heard nothing.

Clearing her throat awkwardly, Serena hunched slightly and made her way past Rhys and Harlee into the living room. She quickly signaled Robbie, Thiago, and Cillian with a glance, and they hurried upstairs, leaving Harlee and Rhys alone.

Rhys looked at Harlee intently and then draped an arm around her waist. They moved together to the sofa. He tilted his head, his smile broadening.

“Is this situation complicated? Do you need help from your lovely partner?”

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