Chapter 102

Chris froze. Seeing Olivia like this, the refusals poised on his tongue suddenly felt impossible to utter. "Hey," he began, then trailed off. If he didn't let Olivia see Stephanie, she wouldn't let it go. But Stephanie was as stubborn as they came; there was no point in meeting her.

Stephanie hadn't planned on going to the studio that afternoon. A call from Jennifer, however, changed that. By the time she finished an emergency meeting, it was nearly six o'clock. Remembering Sebastian's dinner plans, she hurried. Before leaving, she instructed Jennifer, "Keep an eye on things. If the team works late, order them food from Lobster House."

"Wait, where?" Jennifer exclaimed, thinking she'd misheard.

Stephanie repeated, "Lobster House."

"Miss Giovanni, there are so many people... That place is expensive," Jennifer protested.

"Put it on my tab," Stephanie replied.

Jennifer's mouth twitched. "Thanks, Miss Giovanni." She loved their cakes, but they were pricey. Since Stephanie was paying, she'd order two.

The moment Stephanie stepped into the elevator, Jennifer announced to the office, "Alright, guys! Let's push through tonight. Miss Giovanni's treating us to Lobster House!"

The office erupted in cheers. Lobster House was a five-star restaurant, a treat few could afford. The already generous company perks, now enhanced by this lavish dinner, ignited renewed motivation.

As Stephanie exited the elevator, she nearly collided with Chris. Stunned, she immediately walked past him.

Chris's blood pressure spiked. She wouldn't even speak to him. He grabbed her wrist. "Hold on," he said.

Stephanie's disgust was unconcealed. Without hesitation, she kicked him. He wasn't quick enough to dodge; her foot landed squarely on his knee, forcing him to buckle.

"Damn it, Stephanie," Chris gritted, his voice furious. Yet, he didn't release her wrist. His anger was palpable.

Stephanie scoffed. "Still not letting go?"

Chris snarled, "Are you even a woman?" He thought about Macro and the Cloudridge Valley men; how could they choose her? He felt a pang of jealousy.

Stephanie laughed coldly. "Whether I am or not, you'll never find out. So why do you care?"

Chris was speechless, stunned by her boldness. He straightened, ignoring the throbbing pain. "You're coming with me to the hospital," he said.

Stephanie frowned. "Hospital? What for?"

"Olivia wants to see you," Chris stated firmly.

"She does?" Stephanie asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. She has something important to tell you," Chris replied.

Stephanie chuckled, then, without warning, kicked him again. This time, she didn't hold back. Chris groaned, feeling utterly defeated.