Chapter 17

The conservative elders of the Ashford family were formidable. Even though Chris ostensibly headed the Ashford Group, these elders still held considerable power. That was likely why Chris had rushed home and so abruptly reversed his decision, reinstating the wedding.

He attempted to smooth things over. "Our marriage doesn't concern Olivia," he said.

A cold smile played on Stephanie's lips. "Doesn't it?" She didn't believe him for a second.

As she spoke, Chris's phone buzzed. Olivia's name appeared on the screen. Stephanie saw it.

Chris gave her a stern look. "The wedding is going ahead as planned. No changes."

Stephanie waved him off dismissively. "Go ahead and take the call." A hint of sympathy—for Chris, of all people—tinged her voice. He was the heir to Long Harbor's most prominent family, yet he couldn't even control his own marriage. The first attempt had failed, and Olivia had immediately contacted him again. Chris stood. "You're right. I should get this." He walked to the balcony, phone in hand.

A few hours earlier, from this same spot, he'd been defiantly arrogant. Now, however, he was deliberately showing Stephanie a degree of respect. The Ashford elders had clearly delivered a harsh lesson. Whatever Olivia said, it only increased Chris's tension.

After a lengthy call, he returned inside, his face grim. He glanced at Stephanie, looking ready to flee.

Without hesitation, Stephanie said, "I guess... she's feeling bad again?" Her words dripped with sarcasm, revealing her awareness of Olivia's tactics.

Chris's expression darkened further, annoyed by her jibe. But he was too drained to respond. Finally, he muttered, "There's a banquet tomorrow. You're coming with me. I'll have someone bring you a dress in the morning." It wasn't a suggestion; it was an order, designed to counter her earlier cancellation announcement. Stephanie raised an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering.

Chris couldn't bear it any longer. Stepping forward, he grasped her shoulders. "What I said this morning was thoughtless. Our wedding is still on, in one week." His tone softened, almost coaxing. Originally, absent his family's intervention, he'd planned to ignore her for several days, hoping gentler treatment would satisfy her.

Stephanie shoved his hands away with disgust. "What do you think I am? Your puppet? You think you can just arrange things however you like?" She remembered his earlier certainty about delaying the wedding because of Olivia. Now, pressured by his family, he was shamelessly backtracking.

Stephanie scoffed. "Your family's reputation is so important, but what about mine? If I backtrack now, won't that affect me too?" Publicly announcing the cancellation would damage both the Hart and Ashford families. Stephanie suspected the Ashford elders blamed Olivia for the mess, and Chris was here, in the middle of the night, because of her.

Chris struggled to maintain his composure, but Stephanie's refusal was testing his patience. Finally, he asked, "So, what do you want to do about it?"

Stephanie's voice was glacial. "If you love Olivia so much, then marry her. I don't care."

"Y—You…" Chris snapped, seething with rage. Seeing her defiance, he lacked the energy to coax her. He snorted, his patience exhausted. "I'll see how long you can keep up this stubborn act."

He knew his family had likely informed Chad. He believed Stephanie could maintain her tough facade with him, but doubted she could sustain it with her own family. With a final, dry remark, he stormed out.

Utterly disgusted, Stephanie grabbed an air freshener and began spraying it around the room, as if purifying the air.