Chapter 31
Chris gunned the engine, rage simmering within him. Stephanie glanced at the luxury mall across the street, pulled out her phone, and dialed Jennifer. "The meeting's pushed back two hours," she said, her voice taut with purpose. Jennifer answered instantly: "Got it." Jennifer promptly spread the word.
Stephanie wasted no time, storming into the mall without hesitation. For the next two hours, she indulged in a spree of luxury purchases—jewelry, cosmetics, designer bags—anything that exuded extravagance.
Meanwhile, Chris sped toward the hospital where Olivia lay. His phone buzzed repeatedly, each vibration a notification of another purchase. He ignored the screen, yet each alert signified thousands of dollars spent. He let out a bitter, scornful laugh. "She said she didn't need money? Yeah, right."
It was clear: Stephanie, barely back in possession of her card, was on a shopping spree. Chris shook his head, a bitter smile playing on his lips. She always pretended to be above such things, yet the moment money was involved, all pretense vanished.
Kevin approached, standing at attention. "Sir." Chris silenced his phone, glancing up. "Did you drive her car back?" "Yes, sir," Kevin nodded.
Chris started toward Olivia's office, then paused, seemingly remembering something. He turned to Kevin, his voice low but firm. "She's been job hunting, contacting everyone. Make sure no one hires her."
Kevin blinked, taken aback. Unsure he'd heard correctly, he hesitated before asking, "She still doesn't want the wedding?"
The word "still" hit Chris like a punch. He clenched his jaw. Yes, it was true. Yesterday, Stephanie had messaged Ella, canceling the wedding. He'd been dumped. The thought of her so easily discarding him made him grind his teeth. He scoffed, shaking his head. "She will," he added. "A week. That's all it will take for her to realize she can't survive on her own."
He entered Olivia's room. Catlin rose, her eyes wide with concern. "Chris, do you think Dr. Pierce will be returning?" she asked, worriedly. Chris exhaled. "I'm handling it. Don't worry." Catlin sensed nothing was resolved. She hesitated, then said, "Wait, I just remembered—Dr. Pierce is Stefi's best friend, isn't she? Could her trip abroad be connected to this?"
Chris was momentarily surprised. It wasn't just a possibility; it was certainly true. Olivia gave him a pleading look, reigniting his frustration with Stephanie. Yet, seeing Olivia's fragility, he knew he couldn't allow Stephanie's behavior to continue.
His phone buzzed again. The notifications continued—a volume unheard of for him, even monthly. He glanced down, hoping for something different, but no. More alerts detailing Stephanie's spending. The amounts were escalating. What had begun as a few thousand dollars was now tens of thousands. He wondered what exactly she was buying, realizing just how materialistic and money-hungry she was.
A soft voice interrupted. "Chris, Chris?" "Huh? What?" Chris snapped, turning to Olivia. Her eyes were filled with sadness and concern. "I'm asking… is Dr. Pierce really Stefi's best friend?" Chris nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "Yeah, she is."
Olivia and Catlin exchanged a knowing glance. Catlin gasped. "So… Dr. Pierce's trip… was it her doing? How could she be so cruel?" The revelation that Dr. Pierce was Stephanie's best friend explained everything. Olivia's eyes filled with tears. "It seems she still thinks I caused her accident. Otherwise, she wouldn't be doing this to me."
The mention of the accident clouded Chris and Catlin's faces. Before Chris could respond, his phone buzzed twice. He glanced at the screen—more spending alerts. Chris clenched his jaw, barely containing himself. "How can she be this shallow? Her purchases have to be over a million by now."