Chapter 210

At the Ashford Group.

Kevin hurried into Chris’s office. “Mr. Ashford, Mr. Hodge, and the others have gone to Mount Spring.”

Chris raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“They’re supposed to sign the contract today.”

Chris paused. He remembered Jackson was to finalize the contract with the Lucano family. He realized Jackson had likely gone to Mount Spring to meet them. It made sense.

Chris stood abruptly, grabbing his jacket. “Mr. Ashford is on his way there too,” Kevin added.

Chris frowned. “My father is going?”

Kevin nodded. Chris remained silent, realizing the Lucano family was probably also there.

Given his father’s recent actions regarding the hospital, Chris knew if the Lucano deal failed, Olivia would likely suffer. “Let’s go. We’ll bring a copy of the contract,” Chris decided. He was determined to secure the partnership, and if Jackson was involved, Chris wanted to participate.

“Got it. I’ll have the legal department prepare it,” Kevin said, leaving the room.

Chris immediately left his office. He was determined to secure the deal with the Lucano family.

His phone buzzed. It was Olivia. He answered. “Olivia.”

“Chris, are you busy?” Olivia’s voice was thick with emotion.

Chris frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Olivia’s voice trembled. “I can’t stay in this hospital anymore… Mr. and Mrs. Ashford…” Her voice cracked.

“My mother?” Chris asked, his voice tight. He wondered if his father had sent someone to the hospital. Had his mother gone there too? Anger darkened his face.

“Mrs. Ashford came to see me,” Olivia continued, her voice full of hurt. Grace’s visit had clearly been unkind.

Chris felt a headache coming on. Before he could respond, Olivia said, distressed, “Chris, can’t I be discharged?”

“Of course, just wait a little longer,” he replied.

“What about Whispering Bay?” Olivia asked hesitantly.

“The owner won’t sell,” Chris said flatly. “I’ll find another place for you.” He hadn’t told Olivia the house was now owned by Stephanie’s backer, and Stephanie was living there. The deal was unattainable.

“Oh,” Olivia said, disappointed. Her weakened state made her sound vulnerable. But she was also thinking of her bet with Stephanie and her victory. Now, Chris was saying her chances of moving to Whispering Bay were gone. She was breathless.

Kevin returned with the contract. Chris quickly said, “I have to handle something, I’ll call you back.” The Lucano matter was urgent, and with Jackson involved, they couldn’t delay. He ended the call before Olivia could respond.

Olivia, at the hospital, stared at the phone. He’d hung up on her.

Catlin emerged from the bathroom. “Did you call Chris?”

“Yes, but he hung up on me.”

Catlin’s expression darkened. She wondered what was happening with Chris.