Chapter 170

As soon as Stephanie spoke, Jackson felt a jolt, his hair standing on end. He couldn't show his anger, not even dare to. Sure enough, Sebastian's tone turned icy on the other end of the phone the moment he heard her words.

“Tell him to get lost!”

Jackson was speechless. Stephanie’s mouth twitched as she glanced at him. His head pounded—what did Sebastian mean? It sounded as if he believed someone was bullying Stephanie. Just as he was about to intervene, Stephanie continued, “He said he delivered the wrong gift and wants it back.”

An explanation, finally. Jackson thought, This might work—yesterday, he delivered the wrong item and was told they wouldn’t cooperate. And now… As he waited for Sebastian’s response, Stephanie added, “He even brought a bracelet to exchange with me.” She had already opened the box, seeing the bracelet, and recounted every detail.

At the mention of a bracelet, a sinking dread washed over Jackson. A moment later, Sebastian’s voice returned. “Tell him to get lost immediately.” Then, he hung up.

Jackson felt utterly disillusioned. When Stephanie noticed, she looked at him and said, “You see? There’s no way to smooth things over with him.” So, using her to influence Sebastian was futile.

Jackson stared, his lips parting, but rage choked his words. Had she even said anything nice about him? Not at all! She hadn't uttered a kind word, nor provided a proper explanation, despite claiming to have defended him. Taking several deep breaths, he finally muttered, “Thanks.” He found her infuriating—tongue-tied, utterly spoiled by Sebastian.

He couldn't bear another minute in the office. He found Stephanie insufferable.

“Mr. Hodge, do you want me to compensate you for the ring?”

Already at the doorway, Jackson staggered slightly, gritting his teeth. “No need,” he spat out. How could he accept her compensation?

As he opened the door, Stephanie tugged at his sleeve. “Mr. Hodge, you should keep it,” she said, referring to the bracelet he'd just offered back.

He tried to refuse. “No, this was meant as an apology for you.”

“I can’t accept it,” Stephanie insisted. Sebastian had taught her never to accept gifts from a man, not even a needle. Yesterday, the ring had nearly caused trouble. Taking this bracelet would be inexplicable. She wouldn't risk angering Sebastian. Moreover, the mention of the bracelet had already prompted Sebastian to dismiss Jackson!

Jackson looked at her, recalling Sebastian's harsh words. “Forget it…” He retrieved the box. “So what about Lilian’s matter?”

“Forget it,” Stephanie replied.

Even with her dismissive “forget it,” Jackson sensed something was amiss. Knowing her, he knew this girl wasn't a pushover. That “forget it” sounded too curt. But he was so fed up. After the phone call, the situation had become even more complicated.