He never expected Stephanie Giovanni to be Sebastian Giovanni’s adopted sister. When faced with Jackson Hodge’s beaming smile, Stephanie’s heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she tried to pull her arm away, but Jackson produced a small box and handed it to her. "A gift to make amends," he said.

Stephanie was silent. A gift? Glancing at the box's distinctive emblem, she recognized it: an expensive piece of jewelry, a bribe. "What exactly are you doing, Mr. Hodge?" she asked.

Jackson explained, "Lilian was headstrong. I'm taking responsibility for her misdeeds. I've locked her up, so she won't trouble you again."

Stephanie remained silent. Was that really a concern? Jackson shoved the box into her hand. "Help me put in a good word with Sebastian. This cooperation is crucial."

Jackson had nearly beaten Lilian in the past few days. Before Sebastian arrived in Long Harbor, they had spoken amicably until Lilian interfered. Jackson was stunned by Stephanie and Sebastian's relationship. Sebastian had raised Stephanie, and yet these people dared to treat her so poorly? He’d witnessed the Casalini family’s downfall in Fiorenza and knew this woman wasn't someone to trifle with. The thought of Lilian made him want to beat her senseless. And Chris Ashford and the Hart family? He couldn't imagine their fate. Over the past few days, every piece of evidence regarding Sebastian's protectiveness towards Stephanie sent shivers down his spine.

Stephanie tossed the box back. "If I say anything nice about you to him, you're finished." Jackson's eyelids twitched. "What…"

Stephanie continued coolly, "Mr. Hodge, don't delve into our relationship. Surely you also discovered he hates cutting corners."

Jackson was speechless. Of course, he knew that! He'd thought Stephanie's background would change things. After all, she was the apple of Sebastian's eye. "But the cooperation between him and me fell apart because of you—at my grandfather's birthday celebration." Things had gone smoothly until Lilian and Stephanie fought, derailing everything. He'd seen brothers treat sisters kindly, but Sebastian’s devotion was unprecedented. The situation was outrageous.

"If Mr. Hodge says so, then I have nothing to say," Stephanie remarked.

"Don't say that," Jackson interjected urgently. If she remained silent, his cooperation with Sebastian would be doomed.

Stephanie sat down. Across from her, Jackson placed the box on the desk and slid it towards her. Stephanie sighed, "Alright, I'll make a call."

Jackson and Lilian were different. Jackson enjoyed a good reputation in Long Harbor. Stephanie wasn't sure if Sebastian's falling out involved her. But judging by Jackson's demeanor, if she didn't intervene, he wouldn't let it go. With that, she dialed Sebastian's number in front of Jackson. It wasn't long before he answered. "Stefi."

"Sebastian, what do you think of Jackson Hodge?" Stephanie asked directly.

Jackson's eyebrows shot up. This wasn't what he expected. He hadn't asked her to discuss his character with Sebastian.