Chapter 112

Tonight, Mephanie nearly took Olivia's life. They couldn't afford to let her remain in Long Harbor for too long. Tyler gave a firm nod. "I will."

Just as Tyler and Catlin were about to continue their conversation, the urgent beeping of the hospital room's monitors pierced the air. Their eyes met, both faces draining of color before they rushed inside.

On the hospital bed, Olivia lay motionless, her face deathly pale. The monitors continued their relentless alarm, making Catlin panic. "Olivia! Are you okay? Call the doctor, now!"

Weakly, Olivia opened her eyes, her frail fingers grasping Catlin's hand. "Mom… it hurts." Hearing those words, Catlin's heart shattered. Stephanie's arrogance tonight had been unbearable. Now, with Olivia in this state, Chris and Tyler would stop at nothing to investigate the men in her company.

Meanwhile, at Whispering Bay, Stephanie was wrapped in Sebastian's embrace. One arm secured her waist; the other lazily played with a strand of her hair. Sebastian had always liked holding her this way, a habit since childhood. But now, things felt different. Stephanie was visibly uneasy. "Sebastian, I should…"

She didn't know how to refuse. They were both adults now. Siblings or not, they shouldn't be this close. She had already told him multiple times that their relationship was wrong and needed to stop. But Sebastian seemed to have selective hearing, dismissing her words.

Stephanie felt like her heart was about to explode. Sebastian twirled her hair around his finger, his tone laced with amusement. "Who is the person you love?"

Her mind went blank. Her face burned. Of all things, he had to overhear that. Her voice came out flustered. "Oh, well… Can you let me go first?"

Sebastian chuckled, his voice gentle, filled with the same indulgent fondness he always showed her. "Stefi, you really have grown up. You even have a crush now?"

His tenderness only tightened her heart further. "Hey…" she stammered, lost on how to navigate this conversation.

"Tell me, Stefi. Who is it?" His voice was soft, coaxing. "Okay?"

She gulped. "Can I not say?"

"Nope. Stefi, you have to tell me who you love. I'll take care of him for you," he said.

Stephanie's heart turned cold. There were some truths that were simply too painful to voice aloud. She forced a chuckle. "I don't have a crush. I was just… playing around?"

"Really?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. No crush," she nodded quickly.

His gaze didn't waver. "Strange. It really felt like there was…"

"You're imagining things," she insisted, shaking her head a little too forcefully.

Sebastian let out a deep chuckle, finally releasing her. "Get some rest. Don't stay up too late playing games."

She knew exactly what he meant: dealing with the Hart family and Chris might be entertaining, but she needed to take care of herself too. Sebastian could see it clearly: Stephanie was tiring herself out, and they were only miserable because of it. But no matter how much fun she was having, he wouldn't let her overdo it.

With that, he left the room. As soon as the door clicked shut, Stephanie let out a deep breath. Thank God he didn't keep pushing, she thought.

Outside, Elliot immediately stepped forward respectfully. "Hi, Mr. Giovanni."

Sebastian lit a cigarette as he walked. His voice was low and thoughtful. "She's grown up. She's starting to keep things from me."

There was depth to his words. Elliot understood exactly what he meant.

"Miss Giovanni only has you in her heart. There's no need to worry," Elliot reassured him.

Sebastian exhaled a stream of smoke, his lips curving slightly. "Is that so?"

Elliot nodded. "Yes."

A faint smirk tugged at Sebastian's lips, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. "Speed things up. The air in Long Harbor isn't very pleasant."

Elliot understood immediately. "Yes, sir."