Chapter 105

Yes, Olivia wanted Stephanie to leave Long Harbor. That man had returned, and if Stephanie remained, Olivia feared things would escalate. She feared the $300,000 payment was only the beginning. Stephanie had to leave.

Seeing Olivia's silence, Stephanie asked, "You not only want me to leave, but you also seem to be in a hurry?"

Olivia's heart skipped a beat. "Why would I be in a hurry? I feel sorry for you. Instead of suffering here and gaining nothing, you could take last year's earnings, sell your Cloudridge Valley house, and live happily."

"Really?" Stephanie asked.

Olivia continued, "With that money, a small town would offer a carefree life."

It was true. Selling the Cloudridge Valley house, plus Stephanie's earnings, would total over three million dollars. A substantial sum for comfortable living in a smaller city.

"But I don't want to leave," Stephanie retorted. "I'll wait until you're dead before I leave. When are you going to die?"

Olivia aimed to drive her away with the Hart family's cold indifference, but Stephanie intended to see who would crack first. Her words provoked Olivia. With three serious illnesses, the last thing Olivia wanted to hear was the word "death."

"You…" Olivia's face paled.

"Move to Whispering Bay? Shut down my studio?" Stephanie asked. "Fine. I'll wait until the studio closes, have a celebratory party after you move, and then I'll leave. How about that?"

Olivia's pale face was briefly illuminated by a furious gleam. "Really?"

"I'll cheer Chris and Tyler! You too!" Stephanie said, silently adding, Try your best to shut down my studio and move to Whispering Bay. However, Olivia likely wouldn't move until she died.

Stephanie stood, looking at the frail Olivia. "Any more acts? If not, I'm leaving!" She silently added, If you have any more tricks, use them quickly. I don't want to waste time talking.

Olivia was furious. "You…"

Stephanie's arrogant tone further agitated Olivia, whose chest heaved with anger. Olivia tried to speak, but her labored breathing made it difficult.

Stephanie showed Olivia her trembling hand. "What kind of act is this?"

Olivia stammered, feeling uncomfortable. Stephanie, unimpressed, turned to leave. The drama was over, and Sebastian awaited her for dinner.

As Stephanie opened the door, a sound came from behind her. She turned to see Olivia spitting out a significant amount of blood onto the quilt.

Stephanie's heart skipped a beat. Olivia's previous theatrics led Stephanie to suspect another act, but this seemed different. Before Stephanie could discern reality from performance, Chris swiftly intervened, appearing before Olivia.