The Unshackled King (by David Wu) novel Chapter 17

Margery had reached out to every one of Stefan's few friends in River City. All of them said they hadn't seen him.

It was as if Stefan had never existed in her world, vanishing after that night—taking everything with him and erasing every trace of their past.

At first, Margery had clung to the hope that Stefan was just upset with her, that this was a fit of temper.

She believed that once he calmed down, he would come back, would appear before her again.

But now, Margery had faced reality. She knew Stefan was determined to leave for good.

But who could she blame for this?

Suddenly, her phone rang.

Margery, whose eyes had been vacant, snapped back to attention. As if struck by electricity, she grabbed the phone beside her.

Looking at the screen with hopeful anticipation, the light in her eyes instantly dimmed.

It wasn't Stefan's call; it was from her secretary, Nanette.

"Nanette, what is it?" Margery answered.

"Ms. Easterlin, it's bad. Claire Company called and said they're canceling the contract. All the advertising projects they gave us are being pulled. You need to come to the office right away."

"What? How could this happen?" Margery was stunned, her face paling.

The cooperation with Claire Company involved a multi-million-dollar contract. Her company had invested significant effort and resources into this project from the start.

If the cooperation was canceled, not only would all that early investment be wasted, but the company would also suffer immeasurable losses.

"Don't panic yet. I'll head to the office now." Margery spoke urgently. She had to put aside the search for Stefan for the moment. She quickly got up, freshened up a bit, and hurried out the door.

As soon as Margery drove out of her neighborhood, her phone rang again.

She looked at the caller ID—it was Fidel.

Margery didn't answer, hesitating briefly before hanging up.

On the day Stefan was released, she had been at Ambrosia Pavilion celebrating Fidel's birthday, and Stefan had seen her drinking a cross-cup toast with Fidel, leading to the misunderstanding that caused him to leave.

Because of that, Margery instinctively wanted to avoid any further contact with Fidel.

But the moment she hung up, Fidel called again.

After several persistent calls, Margery finally answered. "Fidel, I'm driving right now..."

"Margery, I just heard that Claire Company canceled their contract with your firm?"

"How did you know about that, Fidel?"

Wasn't this the woman who had secretly followed him after the underground fight the other night?

Janet, getting out of the car, also noticed Stefan and shot him a piercing glance.

By then, Stefan's gaze had shifted to the other woman.

At the sight of her, he was momentarily breathless.

She wore no makeup, yet her complexion was flawless, like morning clouds reflecting on snow. Her delicate, sculpted face, with its light, graceful brows, framed a pair of lively, starry eyes. Her skin was as fine as polished gem.

She wore a white professional suit that perfectly accentuated her full, graceful curves—so perfectly balanced that not a single feature could be improved.

Moreover, an innate air of elegance and nobility radiated from her very bones, captivating and making others feel unworthy, daring not to profane her.

In Stefan's experience, this was a stunning beauty whose looks, figure, and temperament were on par with Sara's.

The two could truly be considered equals.

So this was the woman sitting in the car that night? Stefan thought, narrowing his eyes.

Had he known she possessed such extraordinary beauty, he definitely would have walked over and struck up a conversation.

"What are you staring at? If you dare disrespect the lady again, I'll gouge out your lecherous eyes!" A voice as cold as ice cut through the air, carrying a wave of frigid intent directly at Stefan.