Chapter 20

Chris had been talking to Kevin for what felt like an eternity, but it was a cathartic conversation. He arrived at Cloudridge Valley early for lunch, but both his and Kevin's calls to Stephanie went straight to voicemail. With no other options, he knocked on her door. Ten minutes passed, with no answer. His earlier good mood plummeted.

Kevin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You think she left before you even got here?"

The possibility hit Chris like a punch to the gut. "She left first?" His voice was a low growl.

Kevin shrugged. "Maybe you should call Mrs. Ashford?"

Chris immediately called his mother.

"I've already called her, Chris. She's on her way," Grace replied, calmly.

A pause followed, then confusion in her voice. "Why are you calling me? Shouldn't you call Stephanie?"

Chris's frustration boiled over. If he could reach Stephanie, he wouldn't be calling his mother. He sighed. "Alright, I'm heading back now."

He omitted the detail about Stephanie blocking his calls—too embarrassing.

Grace's tone softened, but a hint of firmness remained. "You'd better apologize properly when you see her, and you better promise me you won't see Olivia again."

She launched into a lecture, and Chris's patience waned. The entire family was on edge, especially after the news about Olivia's cancer. The older Ashford generation wouldn't accept Olivia; they believed she threatened the family's future.

Already irritated, Chris wasn't keen on making another promise to Stephanie. It only fueled his anger. He hesitated, then began, "This is…"

Grace, knowing him well, interrupted. "Your grandparents said if this wedding falls apart, they'll never speak to you again."

Chris froze, the weight of that statement hitting him. He hadn't realized his grandparents' investment in this. It felt like one wrong move could alienate him from everyone.

His breath hitched. "Why do they care so much about Stephanie?"

Grace was blunt. "They say a fortune teller told them she's a lucky star. She's the one bringing us good luck."

Chris fell silent.

His grandparents were prominent figures in the community. The idea that they based everything on a fortune teller's prediction was overwhelming.

Grace, ending the conversation, said, "Enough talking. Just come back, and remember what I said."

Before Chris could respond, she hung up. He stood staring at the door. Stephanie had clearly won this round.