Chapter 81

Stephanie decided she needed a work phone to create some separation. Otherwise, these people would never leave her alone. Chris growled into the phone, “You have a studio? How come I didn’t know about this?”

“What’s it to you? Should I report to you every time I start a new project?” she retorted. Wasn't it obvious what had been happening these past few days? Had she been too lenient, allowing them to constantly question her? It was becoming tiresome.

“How many more things are you hiding from me?” he demanded.

“Do I need to hide anything from you? What does my business have to do with you? Is Olivia’s illness not serious enough already?” she countered. "She has three types of cancer now, and you still aren't rushing to help her find a good doctor? Why are you constantly attacking me?"

Chris lost his temper completely: “Stephanie!” The mention of a “grave” particularly enraged everyone on Olivia's side; it was perceived as a malicious curse.

“What are you yelling for?” Stephanie asked.

“Just you wait,” Chris snarled, ending the call abruptly. Stephanie heard the busy signal and clicked her tongue. She could wait; she was curious to see what other tricks Chris would pull.

Chris was furious. Discovering Stephanie’s studio and her substantial earnings from the previous year had turned his face green with rage. He took a long drag from his cigarette and growled, “Tell me, doesn’t it feel like we’re a joke right now?”

Kevin, in the passenger seat, broke into a cold sweat. He had to admit, it was a joke. Chris and the Hart family had cut off Stephanie’s finances, believing it would force her submission. They’d even meticulously tracked Cloudridge Valley's rent payments, anticipating her surrender under the financial pressure. But she owned the property and had earned over two million dollars last year; cutting off her funds was laughable.

Kevin hesitated before speaking. “To be honest, Mr. Ashford, you still don’t really understand Miss Giovanni.”

Chris found this ironic. He’d been engaged to Stephanie for two years and still didn't truly know her. Recalling her lies, he lost his composure.

“Handle it.”

“Handle what?” Kevin asked.

“Anyone who dares to cooperate with her studio will be considered as going against the Ashford family.”

Kevin hesitated. “But…”

“I want her studio completely collapsed within a week,” Chris snapped, silencing Kevin. “But the man behind her…” Sweat beaded on Kevin’s forehead. He dared not finish his sentence. If Stephanie had powerful backing, suppressing her would be impossible.

Chris’s eyes narrowed. “I want to see who that guy behind her is.” They couldn't identify him, so they would see who stepped in to help her. Kevin understood and nodded, “Got it.”

News of Stephanie’s studio, especially her ownership of Cloudridge Valley, spread like wildfire through the Hart family. At the hospital, Catlin paced furiously. “Tell me, what exactly has she been hiding from us?” Chad and Tyler had also arrived. Chris had been summoned by his mother's call. Upon learning the full story, Chad’s face was grim, devoid of warmth.