Chapter 111

Verbal attacks were Stephanie's specialty. And if it ever came to a physical fight, Tyler wouldn't stand a chance. Her words sent his heart hammering.

The fact that she even knew about his plan only strengthened his resolve. Stephanie had to go. If she stayed, she'd be nothing but trouble for him and Olivia.

“Shut up. I’m done arguing. Mom said you’re leaving Long Harbor immediately. Are you leaving on your own, or do I have to make you?” Tyler’s voice dripped with fury.

Stephanie saw he was ready to play hardball. So that's how it is? she thought. If we're tearing off the masks, I might as well stop pretending too.

With a scoff, she said, “Oh? You really think you can make me leave?”

Tyler was momentarily caught off guard.

Stephanie continued, her tone calm yet taunting. “The man who rescued me tonight can protect me just as easily. Tell Olivia she's out of luck. I'm not going anywhere.”

Olivia went all out tonight, she mused. First, verbal attacks, then her little tricks. It all screamed desperation. There's got to be a reason, and I'm going to find out.

Her mocking tone and arrogance sent Tyler into a blind rage. “How dare you!”

Stephanie cut him off. “Enough. If you really had the power to get rid of me, you wouldn't be wasting time. We both know you wouldn't show me any mercy. So go ahead, try me. But if you can't follow through, stop this pointless bickering. You won't win.”

Tyler, furious, slammed the phone down. He feared she might give him a heart attack.

Meanwhile, Catlin had just finished speaking with Olivia. Stepping out, she immediately noticed Tyler's stormy expression. “You’re back already? Weren't you supposed to pick her up from the station and send her out of Long Harbor?”

Tyler shot her a dark look. “Looks like we won’t be getting rid of Stephanie that easily.”

“What?” Catlin’s face turned cold. “What the hell happened?”

“She was taken away by a powerful man, and she's not staying in Cloudridge Valley,” Tyler said.

“Then where is she?” Catlin asked.

“No idea.” Tyler exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples.

For the first time, I’m realizing that maybe I never truly understood Stephanie, he thought. He had always considered her insignificant, a girl from poverty, lacking status and skills. But recent events told a different story. Her connections pointed to something much bigger.

Macro, Allison, and now this man—these weren't random people. They were influential.

“If she doesn’t leave, Olivia will be constantly dealing with her,” Catlin snapped.

Tyler’s expression darkened. “We need to figure out what she’s hiding first.”

“Hiding?” Catlin scoffed. “She grew up dirt poor; what could she possibly be hiding?”

Tyler shook his head. “And yet, look at the people she's surrounded by. Chris said the man in Chadriday Valley is clearly influential. And judging by their interactions, they've known each other for a while. Then there's Macro and his…mediocre… associates.” They were all big shots. Her studio wasn't small; it was a serious business requiring serious money.

A flicker of doubt crossed Catlin’s eyes. Have I ever truly understood my own daughter? she wondered. “Then figure it out. Fast,” Catlin ordered.