Chapter 144

Over at Stephanie’s place, her phone buzzed with a text from Olivia: “[Chris said once we move into Whispering Bay, he’s getting me sunflower curtains.]” Stephanie glanced at the message and typed back: “[Cute. You should start shopping.]” The sheer audacity! Four days left. She couldn't wait to see how Chris planned to extricate himself from this mess. The great heir of Long Harbor's top family, falling flat on his face in front of everyone?

At the hospital, Olivia frowned at Stephanie's reply. No reaction. No jealousy. Nothing. Her fingers tightened around her phone, but before she could retaliate, Catlin walked in. Olivia quickly deleted the thread and handed the phone to a nurse. "Thanks," she said. "You're welcome," the nurse replied, giving Catlin a polite smile on her way out.

Catlin beamed. "So? Everything settled with Whispering Bay?" The thought of Olivia moving into that house filled her with pride. Let those rich housewives who called Olivia a "charity case" choke on their words when they saw her living at Whispering Bay. That address would silence them.

Olivia gave a soft nod. "Yeah. Chris even said we can put up sunflower curtains in my room." Catlin's smile widened. "See? That man spoils you rotten. You better cherish that." Hearing her talk about the future made Olivia's heart squeeze. Would there even be a future? God, she hoped so. Once she got better, she swore she'd stop pushing her luck. Staying alive had to be her only priority.

"By the way," Olivia said carefully, "the lawyers have been trying to find you. Mom, are you really not ready to cut Stephanie off?" Olivia thought Catlin would jump at the chance after everything that happened. But Catlin kept dodging their calls. What the hell? Was she seriously hesitating? After all that, was there still lingering maternal guilt for her ungrateful daughter?

The second Stephanie's name was mentioned, Catlin's smile faltered. "She's still my daughter," Catlin sighed. "Let's wait until you're better. Then I'll decide." Truthfully, Catlin couldn't bring herself to sign the papers. What if she regretted it later? Every recent decision about Stephanie had been a purely anger-driven impulse. Never make decisions when angry—you might regret them later.

Olivia's heart sank. 'After I'm better?' So, once Olivia was healthy, Catlin planned to reverse course and make amends with Stephanie? Then what? Her fingers curled tight in the blanket, nails digging into her palm. She'd thought the Harts could force Stephanie out. Now? Stephanie's accounts were untouched. Her studio thrived. She stood her ground, seemingly impervious. So, what were all Olivia's efforts for? Completely wasted?

Catlin let out a long sigh. "I just don't get it. How did she end up like this? That family must not have loved her. Otherwise, how could my own daughter grow up with such a cold heart?" The thought of Stephanie's adoptive family made Catlin's blood boil. If those people had raised her properly, Stephanie would have been soft and sweet, like Olivia. Not this mouthy little hellraiser who fired back ten times harder than anyone else.