CHAPTER 142: CHAPTER 142: HE PRESSED HER ONTO THE BED

Aiden Fordham quickly had people guard the exits of the wedding venue, checking one by one, but found nothing.

He forced himself to calm down—who would dare to take someone right under his nose? He thought of several suspects: one was Cillian West, another was Zeno West, and the last one was... Andy Lockwood.

He was startled. Could it be that he had snuck back again? He quickly divided his men into two groups: one to monitor the castle and the other to search the entire city for Andy Lockwood’s whereabouts.

Keegan Lindsey had a sudden inspiration and cautiously suggested, "President Fordham, why don’t we ask Mr. Zimmerman for help? He has more people and knows Mardale inside and out. Rescuing Mrs. Fordham comes first now."

Aiden Fordham thought for a moment, his thin lips lightly parting, "Just inform Vivi Sterling."

That’s right; with her personality, she would definitely have Zane Zimmerman search the entire city.

Besides, he had previously discussed a plan with Zane Zimmerman. Although he hadn’t made a final decision, if the timing was right, it would naturally come to fruition.

Sure enough, shortly after Keegan told Vivi Sterling about Stella Grant’s disappearance, Vivi Sterling’s phone call arrived at Aiden Fordham’s phone.

Aiden Fordham casually tossed the phone to Keegan, who gently swiped to answer.

It was a barrage of verbal attacks with all sorts of nasty language.

Truly the eldest lady of the Sterling Family, but why did she sound like a fishwife?

Just when Keegan’s eardrum was about to burst, the line suddenly went dead.

Vivi Sterling saw Zane Zimmerman walk into the room and immediately hugged his waist.

The man kissed her forehead, his tone indulgent, "I heard the cussing before I even came in. Who dares to make my little princess angry?"

She pushed him into a single sofa and then sat on his lap, wrapping her small hands tightly around his neck.

"Mr. Zimmerman, I need you to do me a favor."

Zane Zimmerman’s fiery gaze locked onto her as he slowly spoke, his voice coaxing, "As long as you can afford the price, any favor is doable."

His large hand tightened around her waist, sending a dangerous signal, looking like a big bad wolf eyeing a little lamb.

Vivi Sterling slapped his hand away, suddenly flaring up, "Zane, stop it, my waist’s going to be broken. Get off."

She got up to leave, but Zane seized her back onto his lap.

"Little thing, such a temper. How about I... give you the day off?" he chuckled lowly, stroking her head.

"Really?"

"Of course, what do you need help with?" Zane Zimmerman asked as his hand slipped into her shirt, getting restless again.

Seeing she was about to snap, he stopped moving and quickly appeased her, "I won’t do anything. Don’t worry."

Vivi Sterling anxiously explained Stella Grant’s disappearance, and Zane Zimmerman paused for a few seconds before making a call to order his men to assembled and search.

Vivi Sterling happily gave him several pecks on the lips as if rewarding him.

Zane Zimmerman gently pressed his forehead against hers, speaking tenderly, "Change your clothes, let’s go for dinner."

"Okay!"

Near dusk, Aiden Fordham was gazing at the Wishing Tree, his eyelid twitching. His sixth sense told him.

The one who took her must be Andy Lockwood. His fist clenched tightly, the veins on his hand throbbing.

Indeed, at this moment, Andy Lockwood was holding a sleeping Stella Grant in his arms, sitting in a low-profile nanny car heading towards the bay in the West District.

Her cheeks were flushed, with long eyelashes fluttering lightly against her eyelids, irresistibly beautiful.

Andy Lockwood held her tighter, as if cradling a rare treasure, his forehead lightly touching hers, feeling her breath laced with alcohol.

Two yachts registered in F-Country were anchored offshore; at sea, they were the safest.

Aiden probably couldn’t imagine he would leave the lands of Mardale; no matter how thoroughly he searched every corner, he wouldn’t find Stella Grant.

Around nine o’clock, Stella Grant slowly woke up.

Upon opening her eyes, she found herself lying in a large room resembling a ship cabin.

There was a slight rocking sensation underneath her.

Aboard a ship!

She sat up abruptly, her heart pounding, quickly rushing to the door.

"Bang!"

As soon as she opened the door a crack, it was forcefully pushed back from the outside.

Two bodyguards in black suits stood expressionlessly blocking her way.

"Who are you? Where am I?" Stella Grant was both frightened and angry, "I want to see your master!"

"Stella, you’re awake." A familiar voice, chilling her to the bone, came from behind.

Andy Lockwood.

He was holding a tray with a steaming bowl of porridge.

Stella Grant’s eyes darkened suddenly, as if frozen over like a winter lake.

She silently retreated back into the room.

Andy Lockwood strode in, closing the door behind him.

"Click."

The sound of the lock falling into place tightened her heart.

"Hungry? I had the kitchen make some porridge for you." His tone was gentle as he carefully removed the bowl from the tray.

"We’re at sea? Where do you plan to take me?" Stella Grant’s face was ashen, her voice simmering with suppressed anger.

Andy Lockwood walked to the window, pulling open the heavy drapes.

"Relax, we’re still in Mardale, not going anywhere." He turned his head, his jawline strikingly sharp in the dim light, "The boat is anchored near the shore."

Following his gaze, Stella Grant indeed saw the tall silhouette of Skylake Peak outlined against the night sky.

Her heart settled a little.

But that little bit of calm was quickly replaced by larger unease.

"Andy Lockwood, why did you bring me here? Let me go back." Her voice had not a trace of warmth.

He turned around, his face instantly turning cold, as if his gentleness was just an illusion for her.

"Go back? Go back where?" he sneered, "Back to Aiden Fordham’s side?"

Stella Grant’s heart sank, just as she expected.

She took a deep breath, "Erwin is already dead, the Alice Plan is terminated, I want to return to F-Country."

Upon hearing "return to F-Country," Andy Lockwood’s eyes flickered with an imperceptible hint of joy.

"As long as you’re willing to go back to F-Country, I’ll accompany you tomorrow." His voice softened again.

Stella looked at him, her gaze as cold as a poisoned ice arrow, "I’ll go back myself. Andy, we are no longer on the same path. In the future, there’s no need to travel the same road."

The last time he kidnapped her master and used him to threaten her had already left her heart completely cold.

She was already utterly disappointed in him.

Andy Lockwood’s face twisted with anger, as if he’d been slapped hard.

"Different path?" He took a step closer, emanating a dangerous aura, "Stella, have you forgotten who has been by your side all these years?

Is it not good staying by my side? Why are you so fixated on Aiden Fordham? You still want to marry him?"

What he referred to as "marrying him" was today’s wedding event.

But Stella thought he was talking about her obsession with Aiden Fordham three years ago.

"Isn’t your attachment to me the same?" She met his gaze fearlessly, "It’s impossible for us, let go. I. Do. Not. Love. You."

Each word was like a small hammer, striking heavily on his heart.

She declared his death sentence in the calmest tone.

Listening to this straightforward rejection, Andy was infuriated, his chest heaving violently, momentarily at a loss.

He couldn’t hit her, nor did he want to curse her.

Suddenly, he reached out, gripping her shoulders with a force that seemed to want to crush her bones.

He suddenly laughed, a slightly eerie laugh.

"You want Aiden Fordham with you for a lifetime?" He released her, his tone carrying a strange certainty and sarcasm, "He won’t make it with you to the end, do you still not realize that now?"

His words were filled with obvious probing.

Stella’s heart skipped a beat, confused, "What did you say?"

Andy carefully watched her expression, seeing her genuine confusion, and understood.

Damn Aiden Fordham!

He’s truly despicable!

How dare he keep this from her!

Did he want her to shatter completely at the last moment, or did he think there was salvation?

Suddenly, his eyes flashed, realizing he had overlooked a crucial point.

He switched his tone, concealing the darkness in his eyes, returning to his gentle demeanor as if his earlier loss of control had never happened.

"Have some porridge first, don’t go hungry." He picked up the now slightly cold porridge bowl, speaking softly, "Later, I’ll join you on the deck for some fresh air, the stars are quite nice tonight."

He gently stirred the porridge with a small spoon, meticulously patient.

As he walked closer with the porridge.

Stella instinctively raised her hand to push.

"Bang—"

The porcelain bowl shattered on the teak floor, breaking into pieces.

The off-white porridge mixed with shards spread everywhere.

She startled herself, not expecting such a commotion.

She dared not eat anything he provided, nor easily trust anything he said anymore.

Andy Lockwood’s heart felt as if it was stabbed by tiny needles, a dense, piercing pain.

"Do you think I’d harm you?" His voice was slightly hoarse.

Stella didn’t answer, but her silence, without a doubt, confirmed it.

"Am I really that disgraceful in your heart?" His voice carried a note of pain.

She didn’t reply, unaware of why they reached this point.

It wasn’t her intention!

The last trace of warmth in Andy’s eyes vanished, replaced by uncontrollable anger and hurt.

He felt his dignity, patience, and four years of guardianship, were shattered by her at this moment.

He was furious!

He stormed over, his large hand clamped tightly on the back of her head, allowing no room for her to avoid.

"What are you doing!" Stella was frightened, trying to retreat.

His other large hand, like steel, clamped around her waist, pressing her firmly against himself.

Then, he lowered his head, fiercely biting her soft lips!

"Ah!" Stella felt a sharp pain, her lower lip cracking open, the taste of blood spreading in her mouth.

Yes, he bit her.

With hatred and anger!

Stella was startled, yet before she could react, he pushed her onto the bed.

"What are you doing! Let me go!" She struggled fiercely, hitting his chest forcefully with her fists, "Andy, let me go!"

Indeed, he intended to do that thing, something he had long desired yet never accomplished before...