Nords

Chapter 270

Ella was right. Since even Chris couldn’t pull any strings, there was no hospital in Long Harbor that would admit Olivia.

Stephanie thought for a moment. “Then what about going abroad?”

Ella responded, “That’s her only option. Otherwise, she won’t survive here in Long Harbor. You didn’t see her; she was discharged in a wheelchair, so weak she could barely sit up.”

“And she still had the nerve to fight with you? Even if she managed to take Chris away, what’s she going to do with him? She doesn’t even have the health to enjoy it.”

Stephanie scoffed, “That’s a crude way to put it.”

‘Ella doesn’t even have a boyfriend, and she’s already making dirty jokes?’ she thought.

Ella clicked her tongue. “What? You don’t get it? Just because I don’t have a boyfriend doesn’t mean I don’t know how things work. You’re just inexperienced.”

Stephanie was momentarily stunned. The way Ella put it left her with no room to argue. Ella could say that to her yesterday, but now, everything had changed. Stephanie was a full-fledged woman.

“Next, the Hart family is definitely going to come looking for you non-stop. It’s going to be a nightmare,” Ella said.

After all, both the mess at the Hart Group and Olivia’s treatment were now tied to Stephanie.

Stephanie huffed, “They won’t find me.” Her words were crisp, cold, and merciless.

Ella laughed. “Hey, girl, I respect that. That’s how it should be. Who the hell volunteers to be someone else’s backup plan? Right?”

Ella had watched for years as the Hart family treated Stephanie terribly, and the anger had been simmering inside her. But at least Stephanie wasn’t the type to beg for their approval. If they had even a shred of decency, they wouldn’t be crawling back now after treating Stephanie so badly. Stephanie wasn’t the type to tolerate endless harassment. If they pushed her too far, they might end up getting a good beating instead.

Just like Ella predicted, the Hart family members were now running around in a panic, desperate to find Stephanie. Chris had failed to purchase Whispering Bay, and Olivia had been forcibly discharged from the hospital. Catlin had taken her straight back to the Hart residence. But without medical treatment, Olivia was barely holding on.

“Mom, this is all Stephanie’s doing, isn’t it? She had her foster brother do this to me,” Olivia said through gritted teeth, trying to endure the pain as beads of sweat rolled down her forehead.

Catlin’s heart ached as she looked at her. Ever since they got back, Catlin had been trying to contact Stephanie. But no matter how many numbers she tried, they were all blocked.

“Olivia, don’t panic. I will figure something out. I swear I will,” Catlin said.

Olivia trembled all over. “Mom, am I going to die? I don’t want to die. Please…”

At this moment, Olivia was completely terrified. She had never imagined that the world she knew could turn so cruel. She was desperate to understand where Stephanie had gotten this kind of power.

Upon hearing Olivia’s panicked voice over and over, Catlin’s heart ached even tighter. “I will save you. Don’t worry. I won’t let you die. I won’t…”

But Olivia couldn’t even get into a hospital. After being discharged, they had tried several other hospitals, hoping to get her admitted. But as soon as the hospitals heard that the patient was Olivia, they all found various excuses.

Just moments ago, Catlin had made multiple calls, trying to convince doctors to come to their home. Yet every attempt failed. Now, they were truly at a loss.

Catlin was furious. Without medication, Olivia wouldn’t last much longer.

“Mom, I know I was wrong. I’ll give you back to Stephanie. If that’s what she wants, tell her that I’ll return everything. I don’t want anything anymore. I’ll give it all back to her,” Olivia said, her tearful eyes filled with despair.

For the first time, Olivia was truly panicking. “Mom, tell Stephanie. Tell her I know I was wrong, I won’t fight her for you anymore.”

Catlin pulled Olivia into a tight embrace. “Olivia, calm down.”

“Mom, I really know I was wrong. I was terrible. I hurt Stephanie. I admit it,” Olivia continued.

They had gone to four different hospitals, but not a single one would take her in. At this moment, Olivia finally realized the severity of the situation. And sheer terror engulfed her.

Desperate and frantic, both Catlin and Olivia kept dialing Stephanie’s number. But no matter how many times they tried, they couldn’t get through.

Just as they were losing their minds, Stephanie’s call came through. She had called Olivia’s phone directly. “You didn’t move into Whispering Bay. You lost the bet. Remember to send me 300 thousand dollars.”

Olivia froze on the spot. Her breathing became slow and heavy. Her face turned pale, and her chest tightened with unbearable pressure. “Where are you?” she asked.