Chapter 139

“When a benefactor becomes a lover, mixing business with the relationship is unwise. It never ends well.”

As a token of goodwill, Jackson revealed all he knew about Chris to Stephanie. Though she’d made it clear she wanted to end their engagement, how many women truly understand their own hearts? In any case, Jackson warned her against wasting more time on Chris. Even if they reconciled, their reunion would ultimately fail.

Stephanie’s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t anticipated this new twist in Olivia and Chris’s relationship.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

Jackson left a box with her. “I’m leaving now. Keep this gift,” he said. It had been intended for her; he never took back a gift.

Leaving Stephanie’s office, Jackson immediately encountered Chris, who'd been looking for her. Chris's face was sullen, and seeing Jackson emerge from Stephanie's office sparked a familiar suspicion.

As they passed, Chris grabbed Jackson's wrist. “What are you doing here?”

In Chris's mind, Stephanie and Jackson had no connection. Why was Jackson at Stephanie’s office?

A smile played on Jackson’s lips. “And what do you think I’m here for?”

Chris's scowl deepened; he clearly misunderstood. Normally, Jackson would have clarified, but he wouldn't indulge Chris's unfounded assumptions, especially since Chris always assumed the worst about Stephanie. He was anticipating the day Sebastian would decisively settle the score with Chris.

Jackson’s nonchalant demeanor only angered Chris further. Before Chris could react, Jackson said, “Your arm isn’t healing well, and your leg seems injured. Are you sure you want to do this? If you end up unable to walk, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

The comment only fueled Chris's rage. His arm was broken, requiring a cast for at least a month. His leg injury, though not severe, caused pain and a limp.

“Just tell me, why are you here, looking for her?” Chris seethed, each word laced with anger.

Jackson smirked. “Mind your own business! She’s already announced her breakup with you to everyone in Long Harbor. I’m the one pursuing her now. Is that a problem?”

Chris was stunned, his chest burning with rage. Jackson then forcefully disengaged, unwilling to fight on Stephanie's turf. He knew a public altercation might reach Sebastian, a risk he couldn't afford. From Stephanie’s earlier words, it was clear that with Sebastian in Long Harbor, Chris was completely out of the picture. He planned to return and renegotiate the contract; perhaps there was still hope. He shouldn't waste time on Chris.

Jackson walked away, leaving Chris fuming, his mind reeling with questions about Stephanie and Jackson’s inexplicable connection. He remembered how the Hodge Group had thrived under Jackson’s leadership.

Later, Jennifer Adams tried to stop Chris, but he wasn’t easily deterred. Stephanie refused to see him, but Jennifer’s attempts only fueled her fury, nearly leading her to call the police. The office door slammed shut.

Stephanie had just opened the box Jackson left. Inside, shining brilliantly, was a large diamond ring. Before she could react, Chris burst in. The moment his eyes fell on the ring, he was speechless.

“Jackson gave you that?” he asked. The thought, ‘So, Jackson’s visit was a proposal?’ flashed through his mind.