His Unveiled Passion novel Chapter 293

The answer to Lester's confession seemed like a foregone conclusion.

Stephen held his breath without realizing it, and his fingertips slowly clenched as a dull ache spread through his chest.

However, Tessa's response took everyone by surprise.

"Sorry, but I can't say yes."

The smile at the corner of Lester's lips faded. The night wind tousled his dark hair, and the dim lights couldn't chase away the disappointment on his face.

"May I know the reason?" His voice trembled slightly as if his emotions had slipped beyond his control.

Tessa pressed her lips together in a calm and distant expression as she answered in a tone devoid of any ripple, "Because I'm not interested in dating right now. I don't have time for a relationship, so I'm sorry—I can't accept your confession."

The crowd burst into a new wave of chatter.

Stephen raised an eyebrow, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth

He was quite satisfied with that answer.

After speaking, Tessa turned and left without ever accepting the bouquet of roses.

Stephen knew that Tessa had countless admirers during her university days. Confessions like this probably happened a dozen times a year, so it was only natural that she wouldn't remember the names or faces of every guy who professed his love.

But he remembered every single one—what they looked like and what their names were.

That was why a very real sense of crisis crept over Stephen when he saw Lester with Tessa at the restaurant on Valentine's Day.

As the memory faded, his eyes darkened. "After all these years, you still haven't given up, huh?"

Lester chuckled and answered in a calm tone, "I should be thanking you, Mr. Jacobson, for giving me the opportunity."

Stephen narrowed his eyes in warning. "Stay away from her."

Suddenly, James' face began to twist and contort, morphing into the face of that man with glasses.

"Go to hell!" His face distorted with fury as he hurled a bucket of sulfuric acid toward her.

"Ah!" Tessa bolted upright in bed, screaming as she broke free from the nightmare. Her body was drenched in cold sweat.

The night lay still and silent. In the darkness, her ragged breathing echoed in the quiet room. It took a long time before she returned to her senses.

Her phone screen lit up.

She picked it up and glanced at the time—3:30 am.

She received a text message from an anonymous number.

"If you want your sister alive, do exactly as I say."