Chapter 117

After visiting Mrs. Blackwood, Stephanie passed Olivia's hospital room on her way out. Chris waited at the door. Seeing her, he frowned, stepping forward to block her path.

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "What? Are you looking to get beaten up again today?"

Chris's voice was icy. "How did you become like this?" His gaze hardened as it swept over the man behind Stephanie, his expression growing hostile. Elliot carried himself with an air of nobility, leading Chris to assume he was another man Stephanie was clinging to.

Stephanie laughed mockingly. "And what does that have to do with you?"

"If you really cut ties with the Hart family, what do you think you have left? Do you honestly believe those men would want you?" His eyes flicked toward Elliot.

The air around Elliot grew colder. He stepped forward. "Miss Giovanni, why don't you wait for me in the car?"

Chris froze at his address. Stephanie, having no interest in wasting words, nodded at Elliot. "Mind your limits." The Ashford family was one of Long Harbor's most powerful forces; Sebastian's presence in Long Harbor indicated a serious undertaking. Provoking the Ashfords would only complicate matters for Sebastian. Elliot, understanding Stephanie's concern for Sebastian, nodded. "Understood."

Stephanie looked at the still-stunned Chris, then walked away. As she passed, Chris grabbed her wrist. "You need to explain this to me." He couldn't understand Elliot's kindness toward her. But before he could demand an answer, he was slammed against the wall, his head hitting with a dull thud. Elliot had no patience for anyone insulting Stephanie. If Sebastian found out I let this slide, I would not hear the end of it, he thought.

Chris's fury exploded. "You son of a bitch!" He swung at Elliot, and a fight erupted. Even with one good arm, Chris held his ground. Stephanie, uninterested, turned and walked away. Seeing her leave enraged Chris. "Stephanie, stop!" He chased after her, but Elliot intercepted him. With only one usable arm, Chris was at a disadvantage against Elliot. Within moments, Chris began losing.

Inside Olivia's hospital room, Catlin and Tyler heard the commotion and rushed out. Seeing Chris fighting an unfamiliar man, they were stunned. "Tyler, go help him!" Catlin called anxiously.

Before Tyler could intervene, Elliot sent Chris stumbling back with a powerful blow. His voice was calm yet warning. "Mr. Ashford, if you keep this up, you might not have a functioning arm left. Are you sure you want to continue?"

Chris's leg was already injured. He glared at Elliot. Elliot adjusted his slightly disheveled suit and walked away.

Pale-faced, Tyler hurried to Chris. "Are you okay?" His eyes fell to Chris's trembling leg. Tyler was still sore from Elliot's earlier blows.

Chris narrowed his eyes. A pained moan from Olivia's room interrupted him. Catlin rushed back inside.

Tyler glanced at Chris. "She's really not doing well... You know, she used to be obsessed with her looks. This morning, when she saw how much hair she was losing..." He trailed off, his voice thick with worry.

Chris looked at Tyler, then at the hospital room door.