Chapter 23

Stephanie shot Chris a confused look, her brow furrowed as his icy glare pinned her. “What’d I do now?” she asked sharply.

Chris’s tone was cold. “Stephanie, Olivia just returned from treatment. Why are you so awful to her?”

Stephanie chuckled and rolled her eyes, tossing her phone aside and switching off the screen. “Awful? She was overseas. Didn’t they have hospitals, doctors there? Or couldn’t she afford treatment? Why did she have to come all the way back here? And why is you taking care of her and arranging her treatment?”

Chris’s anger mounted with each question, leaving him breathless. He snapped, his voice low but fierce, “Allison’s treatment plan is crucial, and you know it. She’s seriously ill, Stephanie. She has serious health issues.”

Stephanie smirked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, so this illness is incredibly rare? How does someone her age fall apart like that?” Her words were cutting, mocking, yet laced with something darker.

Chris reached his breaking point. Stephanie raised an eyebrow. “Is it an unhealthy lifestyle? Or is it simply karma?”

The rarity of such severe health problems at her age was undeniable. The word “karma” struck Chris like a blow. His face contorted with fury.

“Shut your mouth,” he growled, his voice a low, menacing whisper. Then, after a pause, he added, “Call Allison and tell her to come back.” His frustration exploded in a flat, cutting tone. The argument was over.

Stephanie raised an eyebrow again, unimpressed. “And why would I do that?” She wasn’t surprised Chris hadn’t figured it out. The feelings she once had for him were long gone. Yet, he still acted as if he had any control over her life.

Chris’s face darkened, his jaw tightening. “Stephanie, listen—when Olivia recovers, we’ll get married.” He paused, his tone hardening. “If you think you can continue these games and prolong this, go ahead. Just be prepared to face the consequences.” His anger erupted, revealing a tough, unyielding demeanor. He was certain the Hart family would learn of Stephanie's actions and punish her accordingly. Stephanie wouldn't be able to withstand the repercussions.

Stephanie didn’t flinch. “I can handle it. Can she?”

She couldn't comprehend his audacity in threatening her. With a roll of her eyes, she turned away, dismissing him completely.

Chris’s anger flared. “If anything happens to her, you won’t get off easy.”

“Her who?” Grace’s voice cut through the tension, sharp and commanding. Furious, she marched to Stephanie and grabbed her arm. Grace’s eyes blazed as she glared at Chris. “What did you just say?”

Chris, seething, attempted to explain. “I need to explain—”