Chapter 145

And worse? Stephanie didn't just argue—she fought. But the moment Catlin remembered Stephanie's past mistreatment, that familiar maternal guilt crept in. Then, of course, Stephanie would inevitably do something to anger her again, and Catlin would regret bringing her home.

"Mom," Olivia said softly, "if you want to spend more time with her, it's okay. I really don't mind."

Catlin sighed. "You're too good to me."

Truth was, her heart ached for both girls. She'd been avoiding Stephanie these past few days; she needed space to think. Chad was right. Stephanie wasn't raised in this house, so acting like a perfect daughter wasn't ingrained in her. Maybe, once Olivia recovered, they could find a way to manage their relationship.

Before Catlin could respond, Olivia gasped, then cried out in pain. Her body curled up, hands clutching her stomach.

Catlin panicked. "Olivia! What's wrong? Baby, talk to me!"

"It hurts… it hurts so bad."

"Doctor, doctor!"

The room erupted into chaos—nurses rushing in, doctors close behind. Catlin stood frozen in the hallway, her heart pounding. Every cry from the room felt like her heart was being squeezed.

An hour later, the specialists handling Olivia's case pulled Catlin aside. "To save her uterus, we need Dr. Pierce back immediately."

Catlin felt dizzy. Olivia's uterus. This impacted her future with Chris. The Ashfords barely tolerated Olivia already. If she couldn't have children, no matter how much Chris loved her now, that love might not endure.

Catlin's voice shook. "We'll do whatever it takes. Just save her."

"Then we need to get Dr. Pierce back as soon as possible." The doctors exchanged a glance. "We also need Dr. Vitale."

Catlin's heart clenched. Macro and Allison.

Chapter 145 (continued)

This led them back to the same impasse: Stephanie. For days, they'd tried everything—money, favors, influence—but their efforts were fruitless. It all came down to Stephanie.

Meanwhile, at Stephanie's apartment, Ella arrived around lunchtime, claiming she wanted to eat. But Stephanie knew—this was a gossip visit, especially considering the Ashfords' reaction to Olivia's condition and the Harts' and Chris's frantic efforts.

"That girl really is the manipulative angel."

"Yeah, one headed to heaven soon," Stephanie snorted. Dr. Pierce had run Olivia's tests himself, confirming it wasn't an act. Stephanie had initially believed it was.

"Still," Ella shrugged, "can't say she didn't earn this one."

"Karma," Stephanie said, smiling. "Anyway, what are we eating?"

"Mexican?"

"Nope. Not happening," Stephanie refused instantly. If she dared eat spicy food, Sebastian would bombard her phone. Besides, he'd promised the chef would prepare anything she wanted. As soon as Ella arrived, Stephanie had texted him, casually mentioning dinner. His reply was swift: [No spicy food. No exceptions.] Even through the screen, his tone was unyielding.

Ella whistled. "Damn, your brother's intense. Full-blown sister complex, huh?"

"You think he's bad?" Stephanie raised an eyebrow.

"There's more?"

"My sister's even worse."

Ella's eyes widened. "Hold up, you've got a sister too?"

Stephanie nodded. "Yep. Sofia." And, truthfully, she missed her terribly.