Chapter 109
When Tyler relayed the news to the hospital, Catlin erupted in a ten-minute tirade. "Damn it! How could I have birthed such a disgrace?" she raged. "We must send her away, no matter what. We have to get rid of her." If Stephanie remained in Long Harbor and the high-society ladies learned of her alleged prostitution, the Hart family's reputation would be irrevocably ruined.
Olivia was also surprised Stephanie had left the police station so swiftly, especially since a man had collected her. They had underestimated her, assuming Chris was her only connection, but clearly she had other resources. Olivia resolved to identify this new protector and eliminate him. Stephanie would possess nothing in Long Harbor. "I'm so angry. How dare she!" Catlin fumed, her chest heaving.
Chris seethed. "Was the man Tyler mentioned Macro, or the one from Cloudridge Valley?" he wondered.
Stephanie remained oblivious to the turmoil at the hospital. After dinner, Sebastian and Elliot retired to the study. Stephanie, fresh from a shower, lay on her bed when Ella called. "Stefi, I heard Chris and Tyler are teaming up to shut down your studio."
Ella explained, "My mother received orders not to collaborate with you and asked me to convey this." Their previous behind-the-scenes interference had escalated. Shut down my studio? Just how much do those people listen to Olivia? Stephanie mused.
"Thank Mrs. Turner for me," Stephanie replied. "Tell her I have plenty of projects and she needn't worry."
"She's given you a large project," Ella added.
Stephanie was momentarily stunned. Ella envied her, while Stephanie envied Ella's mother. "Then thank her for me," Stephanie said.
"No problem. Need more help? I doubt it. Let Sebastian handle them," Ella suggested. Previously, Ella might have worried about Stephanie facing the Harts, but now, with such a powerful brother, it seemed trivial.
"I don't need Sebastian's help," Stephanie said. "I have my own plans. If he intervenes, it'll be over too quickly. Where's the fun in that?"
"True," Ella agreed. "If you're going after Olivia, you have to cut deep, one slice at a time. Mercy would be far too generous."
Seeing Stephanie's good spirits, Ella felt reassured. They chatted further before disconnecting. An unknown number then appeared on Stephanie's screen. This time, she answered. "Hello?"
"Was it Macro or that other man who bailed you out?" Chris's voice, tight with fury, filled the line.
Stephanie had no idea why he was so angry but guessed it related to her release. After all, Chris, Tyler, and Catlin had been eager to see her punished for Olivia's sake. Now, their outrage seemed merely arrogant. Stephanie chuckled softly. "Does it matter who got me out? It certainly wasn't you, my dear ex-fiancรฉ."
Chris felt those words like needles. His anger, already simmering, boiled over. His voice turned icy. "Stephanie, do you have no self-respect? Throwing yourself away like this? What do you gain?"
"For starters, I certainly won't be single for you," Stephanie retorted. "You're not worth it."
Chris froze. A violent impulse to silence her overwhelmed him. "Where are you?" he demanded.
"What do you want?" Stephanie asked, amusement coloring her tone.