Chapter 13

While Chad and Catlin argued downstairs, Olivia watched from the top of the stairs, her swollen ankle propped up. A flicker of disappointment crossed Olivia's face when she heard Chad defending Stephanie. She knew Chad's bias; Stephanie was his biological daughter, after all.

The drive from the Hart family home to Stephanie's took about an hour. Arriving at Cloudridge Valley, Chad entered Stephanie's home, taking a seat on the couch. He looked at her but didn't mention her unanswered calls. Stephanie offered little reaction, simply pouring him a glass of water, which he waved off. "Don't bother," he said. "Come sit here."

Chad felt awkward with Stephanie. Having not grown up together, he was unfamiliar with her personality, preferences, and desires. Stephanie sat opposite him. Chad straightened, hands folded. "Had another argument with Olivia?"

Stephanie didn't relent. "So, you came here to lecture me, too?" Lecturing had become commonplace since her return to the Hart family. Her voice remained cold.

Chad sighed, frustrated. "You canceled the wedding with Chris because of her?"

Stephanie didn't answer, taking a sip of water instead. She wasn't inclined to confide in the Hart family. Seeing her lack of response, Chad felt helpless. He now understood Catlin's frustration; Stephanie kept everyone at arm's length.

He tried again, seeking to soothe her. "Don't be mad at her. It was just a check-up. I know Chris went with her to the hospital, and I understand why that upset you. I've already spoken to your mother; she's responsible, and she'll ensure it doesn't happen again."

Stephanie set down her water, her expression flat. "That's it?" she scoffed. "Why would I care? And you didn't need to come here in the middle of the night to tell me this."

Chad's frustration surfaced. "What do you mean, 'you don't care'? Stefi, marriage is sacred. You and Chris have invested so much; there's no turning back. Backing out now would be disastrous. The Hart family would be the laughingstock of the town."

Stephanie met his gaze coolly. "Right, it's sacred, and that's why I made this decision. Having seen things clearly, I see no reason to proceed."

Chad paused, slightly surprised. Her reasoning held merit. Still, he grumbled, "But you and Chris..."

Stephanie cut him off, anticipating his words. "You're worried about the family's reputation, aren't you? It's easy to fix..."

Chad blinked, surprised by her perceptiveness. "How do you plan on fixing it?" Ultimately, his priority was the family's reputation.