Chapter 22

When Chris first saw the necklace, he envisioned Olivia wearing it. But now, seeing it around Stephanie's neck, he felt a strange, inexplicable unease.

"Why are you just getting back? I asked you to pick up Stef, but she came back on her own," Grace said, noticing Chris in the doorway.

Chris's gaze lingered on the necklace as he spoke. Grace patted Stephanie's hand and smiled warmly. "Stef, why don't you stay here a moment? Chris and I need to talk."

Stephanie nodded slightly, and Grace gave Chris a pointed look, signaling him to follow her upstairs. Stephanie understood immediately—it was probably about Olivia; Grace was likely about to lecture Chris again.

They remained upstairs for about half an hour. Grace then turned to Stephanie with a bright smile. "Stefi, I'm going to check on something in the kitchen. You and Chris should catch up."

Without waiting for a response, she left with the butler and maids, leaving Chris and Stephanie alone. Stephanie, however, was engrossed in a phone game. Chris could hear the loud "bang, bang, bang" of cannon fire emanating from her phone—he recognized it as a popular game.

He couldn't understand why his grandparents liked this woman so much. It was clear to him that Stephanie did nothing but play games all day.

Chris opened his mouth to speak, but seeing Stephanie completely absorbed in her game, furiously tapping away, he hesitated. She seemed oblivious to him and everything around her. Frustration simmered within him. He'd tried to connect with her, but she remained engrossed in her game.

Just then, his phone rang. It was Catlin. Chris glanced at Stephanie, still glued to her game, and decided to step outside to take the call. He'd completely forgotten Grace's warning to keep his distance from the Hart family.

Stepping outside, he answered, "Mrs. Hart."

Catlin's voice, panicked, rushed through the phone. "Chris, what are we going to do? The professor treating Olivia just left the country."

Chris frowned. "Which professor?"

Catlin was breathless. "The gynecologist—the genius, Dr. Allison Pierce."

Chris's tone was calm, detached. "I'll arrange for another one. Don't worry about it."

To him, it was just another doctor; there were plenty of specialists. But Catlin wasn't calming down. "That's the problem! Most other doctors are recommending surgery."

She paused. "You know Olivia's condition—she can't handle more surgeries. Her heart, her liver… she's not in any shape for that."

Catlin sighed, her voice cracking. "Dr. Pierce is a genius. With her care, Olivia has the best chance at recovering." Olivia needed heart and liver surgery, and her weakened state made multiple major surgeries impossible. Catlin had been hopeful when she learned about Dr. Allison Pierce, desperate to find a doctor who could minimize the need for surgery. Dr. Pierce had seemed perfect. But the previous night, she'd discovered Allison was leaving the country.

Chris thought for a moment, then asked, "You said her name is Allison Pierce?" The name rang a bell; it sounded familiar.

"Yeah, that's her," Catlin confirmed. "She's young, but everyone calls her a genius."

And then it hit him. Young genius. Suddenly, it clicked—Allison Pierce was Stephanie's best friend.

Chris's voice grew firmer. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

Catlin sighed with relief. "Chris, I really hope you can get Dr. Pierce to help us. Olivia can't handle any more surgeries."

"I'll make it happen," Chris said, hanging up.

The call lasted about ten minutes, and when he went back inside, he saw Stephanie's game had finished. She seemed to have won. She glanced toward the dining room, sensing the quiet; nobody was ready for dinner yet. Her attention quickly returned to her phone as she prepared for another game.

Without warning, Chris snatched the phone from her hands. Stephanie looked up, startled. "What the hell are you doing?"

His voice was cold, his words sharp. "Allison Pierce. She's your best friend, right?"

Stephanie raised an eyebrow, nonchalant. "And?"

Chris's face darkened. "Did she leave the country because you told her to?"

Chris's mind raced. Olivia had been rushed into emergency treatment the previous night, and a thorough check-up had been performed. The hospital director had worked tirelessly to finalize her treatment team; Dr. Pierce had been a key member—now she was suddenly overseas. And, coincidentally, Dr. Pierce was Stephanie's best friend. It was all coming together. Chris was making the connection, and he was sure—Stephanie had something to do with it.