Chapter 119

Stephanie stared coldly at Chris. “Are you thinking straight now?” If not, she was seriously considering drenching him with a basin of water.

Chris gritted his teeth, his chest heaving. “How could you…”

“Sugar daddy? Being kept? Chris, you’re an idiot. I’m starting to suspect you’ve been covering up problems in Ashford Group’s management,” she said.

Chris narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Being this stupid, do you really expect me to believe you’re running a company properly? Besides lying to your parents, what else can you do?” Stephanie sneered. She didn't believe for a second he was capable of managing Ashford Group. Her meaning was clear: Chris was utterly brainless.

Chris nearly fainted from rage. “How dare you!”

“You’re unqualified to question me, yet you try to humiliate me? Do you understand your situation?” she continued.

Chris froze. He wanted to silence her.

“What situation?” His chest heaved.

Stephanie’s sarcasm sharpened. “First, I dumped you. Long Harbor knows it.”

Chris stiffened.

Stephanie continued, “Second, Macro and Allison? Your family is begging me for their help.”

Chris’s expression darkened. The mention of Macro and Allison enraged him. Those doctors were tying their medical decisions to Stephanie's mood; they were unworthy of the title.

Stephanie’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “So, let me get this straight. You’re begging for a favor, insulting me, and threatening me? That’s bold.” Remembering Catlin and Tyler's kidnapping talk at the hospital sent an icy chill through her. Chris had stormed in aggressively, but now, faced with her cold words, he was speechless. Her precise, serious mockery made him realize she truly meant to end their engagement.

A suffocating tightness gripped his chest. He felt he couldn't breathe, his face paling slightly. “Then tell me: who was that man at the hospital?” That was why he'd come; he wouldn't leave without an answer.

Stephanie’s lips curled into a smirk. “And why should I tell you?” Her counterquestion was sharp. She had no reason to explain herself to him. “Did I not make myself clear? Should I repeat it?” she said. What a fool. How does someone this dumb run Ashford Group? she thought. She seriously suspected Chris was covering up major internal issues. Ashford Group appeared successful, but who knew what disaster lurked beneath?

Chris ignored her mockery. “Why are you living in Whispering Bay? Who owns it?”

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Desperate to know? Planning to buy it for Olivia’s recovery?” The thought was ridiculous. Instead of laughing, Stephanie felt only irritation. Her house was coveted by a sickly woman; Olivia's death there would be a nightmare.

Chris’s jaw tightened. “Is it Macro? The man at Cloudridge Valley? Or… the one from the hospital?”

Stephanie’s patience snapped. She reached for another glass of water, only to find her cup empty. With a loud bang, she slammed the glass on the desk, stood up, and said, “Wait right here.”