Chapter 141

Both Chris and Kevin had seen her at Whispering Bay. There was no question; it was her home now.

Stephanie shrugged slowly. “Yeah. So?”

Chris’s chest tightened. Hearing her admission felt like a punch to the gut. Olivia had wanted that house more than anything, and Stephanie was living there as if it were nothing.

“Who owns it?” Chris asked, his voice barely audible, his mind a whirlwind.

Stephanie’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Why ask me? Didn't your amazing investigation already reveal a sixty-six-year-old owner?”

The same line, thrown back at him every time. Chris’s temper snapped. “Enough. Tell me the truth.” He was on the verge of losing control.

Stephanie’s smirk sharpened. “What’s this? Mr. Ashford admitting defeat?”

Chris saw red. This woman and her mouth could induce a heart attack.

Stephanie tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Admit you couldn't find the truth, and I'll tell you.”

The humiliation of admitting his failure to her, and her blatant disregard for it, tightened Chris's chest. He took several deep breaths, but the feeling of impending explosion remained. His gaze grew colder with each passing second.

“You’re something else,” he finally said.

Stephanie, arms crossed, turned back to the window. “I know. Bring it on. I’m not going anywhere.”

Before Chris could retort with his usual threat, Stephanie repeated, “I’m not going anywhere.” No one in Long Harbor had ever dared speak to Chris Ashford like that. Stephanie didn't just dare; she practically invited it.

Finally, Chris stormed out, too enraged to formulate a proper threat. Just before slamming the door, he barked, “Let’s see if you actually marry Jackson Hodge.”

“The Hodges aren’t some kiddie pool you can splash around in. And just because he gave you a ring doesn't mean you're in.” Every word was venom.

The moment he left, Jennifer poked her head in. “Boss?”

Stephanie set down her water. “Is he gone?”

Jennifer grinned. “Stormed out like his hair was on fire.”

Jennifer mused, contrasting the present Chris with the man who had once carried Stephanie like a hero, treating her and her staff well. Without the Ashford name, what remained? Living with such moodiness was a fast track to burnout.

Stephanie snorted. “His face hasn't looked decent a single day I've known him.”

Jennifer shook her head, a mixture of amusement and horror. “How did you survive two years of that?” She grabbed her files and left.

A few minutes later, Stephanie’s phone rang. It was Sebastian. “The Hart family’s money—you want it or not?”

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. “What’s this about?”

“That little stash…” Sebastian explained. Since reconnecting with the Harts, Olivia had behaved like a reality TV villain, fighting Stephanie for every last bit. But Stephanie had never cared; she had far better things back in Fiorenza.

Sebastian’s voice, though light, held a sharp edge. “It’s pocket change for you, but their whole damn life for them.” People like the Harts couldn't survive without their status symbols. Take those away, and they’d unravel. And despite their blood ties, Sebastian wouldn’t let them get away with their actions.

Stephanie understood. “So, if you say take it, I take it?” She didn't care either way. Before Sebastian's involvement, she handled things herself. Now, she'd take what her brother wanted, no questions asked.

“If I put it in your hands, you take it,” Sebastian said, his voice smooth, warm, yet with his signature Giovanni edge.

“Then I’ll take it,” Stephanie replied, smiling sweetly. Even if she refused, Sebastian would ensure the Harts paid.

Just as he was about to hang up, his voice softened, making her heart skip. “Miss me yet?”

Stephanie’s breath hitched, her cheeks flushing before she could formulate a reply.