Chapter 481

Chapter 481:

“Janice, didn’t you say you had a question? Since it’s just the two of us now, please feel free to share,” Stephen said, steering the conversation to safer ground.

Janice lowered her eyes and took an elegant sip of her coffee. Though she had intended to reveal her connection to Stephen, Aiden’s earlier words gave her pause for reflection.

The realization dawned that she had been rushing things. Her knowledge of Stephen barely scratched the surface. The years that shaped him, the hardships he’d endured—all remained a mystery to her. Revealing everything now could unleash a storm she wasn’t prepared to face.

“You possess both striking looks and remarkable talent. What draws you to someone like Wendy?”

Stephen’s brow creased, caught off guard by Janice’s unexpected inquiry. The question crossed boundaries; its directness was almost jarring. Yet deep within, Stephen felt a dam beginning to crack—years of pent-up emotions seeking release through this sudden opening.

“Janice, what makes this matter of such interest to you?”

After a thoughtful pause, Janice replied, “I’ve observed that you’re a person of substance, worthy of an extraordinary life. Yet despite your achievements, a darkness trails behind you like a persistent shadow. While I may not have you fully figured out, this observation comes from a place of genuine concern.”

Stephen was taken aback. Never before had anyone read him with such startling clarity.

“Stephen, if this makes you uncomfortable, there’s no need to answer. We can treat this as nothing more than a pleasant conversation over coffee.”

“Let me tell you a story.” Stephen’s grip tightened around the cup, his voice lowering to a softer, more reflective tone. “Twenty years ago, there was a boy named Fabian, born into a life of privilege.”

Fabian? Could it be Fabian White?

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Janice’s eyes narrowed slightly as realization dawned—Stephen was about to reveal his own past.

“While wealthy families often drown in rules and traditions, his home was different—a sanctuary of genuine warmth. Instead of the usual power plays, there was only pure, unconditional love. His father, though demanding, pushed him towards excellence out of deep care. And his mother showered him with endless affection. Living in such a nurturing environment, he truly believed he was the most fortunate child in the world.

Later, his mother became pregnant with what they learned would be a girl. While most children from affluent families might view a new sibling as competition for love and inheritance, Fabian’s heart held no such darkness. He simply rejoiced at the thought of having a little sister to cherish and play with. He made a silent promise to himself that he would be her protector from the moment she entered this world.”

As Stephen spoke, a rare, genuine smile illuminated his face—the pure expression of a young boy’s dream to guard his unborn sister. But within heartbeats, darkness crept into his eyes, his features twisting with traces of long-buried pain and bitterness.

“Janice, might I trouble you for another cup of coffee?”

“Of course.” Janice gracefully refilled his cup.

“Thank you.” Stephen seized the cup and drained it in one swift motion. He seemed to hope the scalding liquid might drown the turbulence in his heart, but it was like trying to hold back an ocean with bare hands. The bitter memories surged forward, relentless and unstoppable.

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