Chapter 57

Stephanie’s voice was lazy, almost amused. “Yeah, and? You think I’d hesitate?”

She crossed her arms, tilting her head. “With a mouth like yours, I should have slapped you ten more times.”

Tyler’s expression turned thunderous. He couldn’t believe she had actually hit someone at this event. He stepped forward and shoved her. “Are you out of your mind? This is not the place for your tantrums.”

“I’ve thrown bigger tantrums than this,” Stephanie replied flatly, glancing at her chipped nail. Her mood soured.

Tyler’s jaw clenched. “You—”

He couldn't contain himself. His hand shot up, aimed at her face. The anger boiling inside him had reached its peak. This woman was completely out of control. If she wanted a lesson, he’d give her one.

But just as his hand was about to strike, Macro grabbed his wrist. Simultaneously, Stephanie’s knee connected with his stomach.

Tyler gasped, his face contorting in pain. Macro, who had been about to intervene, blinked at the scene. He’d been too late; Stephanie had already handled it. He released Tyler’s wrist. Tyler doubled over, breathing raggedly.

Lilian shrieked, rushing to him. “What did you do to him? Someone call an ambulance!”

Tyler, still doubled over, felt a profound sense of injustice. He couldn’t believe he’d been taken down by Stephanie in front of everyone.

Seeing this, Chris stormed toward Stephanie, fury etched on his face. “What are you trying to pull here?” he barked. “You really think causing a scene will change anything? Let me make it clear: I’m not marrying you, no matter what you do.”

Stephanie remained silent, her eyes cold. Even Macro glanced at her, eyebrow raised.

The tension was suffocating. Some began gossiping. “Wasn’t Stephanie the one who called off the engagement? Now she’s regretting it?” one voice piped up.

Another added, “Even if she is, it doesn’t matter. Mr. Ashford’s made it clear—he’s not marrying her.”

A third snickered, “Some women just don’t get it. Look at her throwing a fit. No wonder the Hodge family and Mr. Ashford want nothing to do with her.”

Just as Chris opened his mouth, his phone buzzed. He pulled it out and froze. It was a message from Catlin, a picture of Olivia in a hospital bed, drenched in sweat, her face contorted in pain.

His stomach dropped. The sight of Olivia erased his anger, replacing it with guilt and concern. He turned to Stephanie, grabbing her wrist firmly but not aggressively. “Enough already. Can we just stop this? Please?”

Stephanie shot him a look, her expression tight. “Let go.” A flash of disgust crossed her eyes—a fleeting expression Chris saw and felt keenly.