Chapter 130

Olivia’s heart leaped. “I… I got scammed! They took all my money!”

Catlin was stunned. “What? You… scammed?”

A shadow crossed Chris’s eyes, his thoughts obscured. Tyler, ever trusting, took the news at face value. He chuckled. “Scammed, huh? No wonder you were yelling and threatening to call the cops.”

Olivia nodded frantically, her heart pounding. “Yeah, they ripped me off for thirty thousand dollars. I was furious.”

Catlin visibly relaxed, relieved it was “just” a scam. “Thirty thousand dollars isn’t worth a fight.”

Tyler ruffled Olivia’s hair. “Yeah, it’s just money. Next time, don’t answer those dodgy calls.”

Tyler and Catlin clearly believed Olivia’s story. Chris, however, remained inscrutable.

Sensing something was amiss, Olivia turned to him. “Chris, what’s wrong?” His intense gaze made her uncertain if he believed her.

Chris shook his head. “Nothing. I have some things to take care of. Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay, sure,” Olivia replied, avoiding his gaze. One wrong word, and her charade could collapse.

Outside the room, Stephanie, having overheard, hurried away with Elliot. But Chris saw her as he exited. He strode toward them. As they entered the elevator, his face darkened at the sight of Elliot. A different guy every day? he thought. “That damn woman…”

The elevator doors opened, and Stephanie and Elliot started to leave. But a hand grabbed Stephanie’s wrist. She turned to Chris, her voice icy. “Let go!”

Chris asked, “Are you really cutting ties with the Harts?” He’d thought she was merely acting, that she didn’t mean what she said. But now, it was clear she was serious. She'd sent a lawyer to Catlin with the papers. On cue, the lawyer approached, greeting Stephanie respectfully. “Miss Giovanni.”

“Go ahead, make sure it’s done right,” Stephanie instructed.

That was all Chris needed to hear. A lawyer? It was really happening. He tightened his grip on her wrist. “Why? Because of Olivia?”

Stephanie rolled her eyes. “Didn’t that water bucket knock any sense into you?”

Chris was speechless. His face darkened at the mention of the water bucket. That woman! he thought. How could any guy be into her with that attitude?

He opened his mouth to speak, but Elliot’s hand clamped onto his wrist, his grip like a vise. “Mr. Ashford, let go,” Elliot said.

Chris glared, furious. Stephanie challenged, “What’s up? Wanna throw down?” A dangerous edge crept into her voice as Chris hesitated. His face was thunderous. Finally, he released Stephanie’s wrist. Stephanie walked away with Elliot, her departing figure resolute, cold, leaving no room for reconciliation.