Chapter 166

Sebastian glanced at his watch, then toward the dining area. Seeing Stephanie eating obediently, he softly asked, “Is Chris still busy with the Whispering Bay matter?” Chris had always intended to acquire Whispering Bay for the Hart family’s adopted daughter. Back then, Fred was known for his ruthlessness. It must have been infuriating for him to have a son like Chris.

Elliot nodded. “Yes.”

“Call Fred back and tell him…” Sebastian paused, noticing Stephanie spitting out the cake. She spat repeatedly and rinsed her mouth, as if she'd bitten into something unpleasant. Sebastian's expression and tone hardened. “Tell him his son’s matter is urgent.”

Elliot blinked in surprise. He was sure Fred would be furious. What pressing matter could Chris possibly have? He was preoccupied with Olivia, and securing Whispering Bay for her seemed his priority. Sighing, Elliot asked, “How did Mr. Ashford end up with a son like this?”

“If he's going to be a romantic, he should at least choose a suitable partner. This is practically ensuring his family will have no heirs,” Sebastian commented. Regarding Olivia's character, the investigation revealed Chris's taste in women was, to say the least, questionable.

Sebastian chuckled. “Which is why Mr. Ashford should be worrying about his son's affairs first.”

Elliot understood Sebastian's cunning plan. The Harts had underestimated him, but after their treatment of Stephanie, forgiveness wouldn't come easily. Elliot nodded. “I’ll make the call now,” and left.

Sebastian gestured to the butler lurking in the shadows. The butler approached respectfully. “Sir?”

“Fire the entire kitchen staff today.”

The butler was stunned. “Yes, sir.”

Sebastian walked toward the dining area. Stephanie had almost finished eating. He glanced at her napkin where she’d discarded the food. “Did it taste bad?”

“There were pebbles in it,” Stephanie replied.

The butler, following Sebastian, trembled. He understood why the kitchen staff were fired. Everyone knew Sebastian's meticulousness regarding food, especially Stephanie's meals. Stephanie remained unaware that her comment had cost the kitchen staff their jobs.

“Are you heading out?” Stephanie asked.

Sebastian nodded. “The Hart family should be in chaos by now. They’ve likely been in an emergency meeting all night. If they’re smart, they’ll come looking for Stephanie. Otherwise, they’ll suffer the consequences.”

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. “What did you do to them?”

“Those cakes were wasted on them,” Sebastian said cryptically.

Stephanie was speechless. He had promised to hand the entire Hart family over to her. She wasn't particularly concerned, but as Sebastian prepared to leave, she remained silent.

As expected, the Harts were clueless. They still didn't understand what had transpired. Just as Sebastian left, Stephanie received a call from Jennifer. Jackson was looking for her at the office. Recognizing it concerned the ring, she instructed, “Tell him to wait an hour.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

An hour would be sufficient to reach the office.