Chapter 181

Sebastian glanced at Stephanie, watching her skip ahead, carefree as a child. "She's doing fine."

"Good. Bring her home soon, or Sofia's going to hunt you both down."

Sebastian's smile faded. "Tell her to stay put." Sofia, being Sofia, would make Stephanie pay dearly for sneaking out of Fiorenza. Her punishments were legendary.

"I'm trying to keep her in check," Lottie said, "or it won't be a three-month punishment this time, it'll be three years."

Sebastian's face darkened. He wouldn't let that happen. After a brief exchange, Lottie added, "And keep a close eye on her this time. Don't let my baby girl disappear again." Her words revealed the depth of her affection for Stephanie.

"Got it." Sebastian hung up.

Elliot, having just parked the car, approached. "Miss Giovanni really has zero feelings for Mr. Ashford." They'd all seen how she'd attacked him; if Sebastian hadn't intervened, she likely would have inflicted further injuries.

Sebastian chuckled. "Of course. She's got better taste than that." Even if Chris weren't involved with Olivia, Stephanie would never choose him.

Elliot shook his head. "Mr. Ashford is still trying to buy Whispering Bay."

"He might as well pitch a tent on the beach," Sebastian retorted, his tone mocking. Obsessing over the property as if it were unique—did he not realize Olivia might have limited time to enjoy it?

"Exactly," Elliot agreed. "It's the same ocean everywhere. Why fixate on Ms. Giovanni's place?"

"They still don't know Whispering Bay's actually in Stefi's name?"

"Nope." "If they're this clingy now, they'll go crazy once they find out."

"Go ahead and release that signed disownment agreement. We should do it publicly, for everyone to see. Better to sever ties cleanly before they seize an opportunity."

Elliot understood. "Understood." A family cold enough to disown their daughter deserved to have it broadcast. If they wanted to be heartless, let them own it. This would also prevent them from leeching off Stephanie once her true identity was revealed.

Meanwhile, Stephanie was on the phone with Ella. "Sent you the signed agreement. When you post it, zoom in on Mrs. Hart's signature so everyone can see."

Ella chuckled. "Got it." Enlarging the signature wasn't just for clarity; it ensured the world saw the Harts had officially cut her off.

"You're rushing this like you're scared they'll come back and try to exploit you later." Stephanie had never rushed such a decision before, but now, with Sebastian, she couldn't wait.

Stephanie didn't hesitate. "Exactly." The Harts had revealed their true nature. If they discovered she'd been raised by the Giovannis, they'd be shocked. While they couldn't exploit her financially, protecting Sebastian's interests was paramount. As long as she was around, the Harts wouldn't receive a dime. "Alright. Talk later."

Stephanie hung up and gazed at the water. What was this place? What was Sebastian planning? And where was the good food?

Turning to find him, she bumped into his chest with a thud. "Ow!" She rubbed her forehead and glared. "Why are you standing right behind me? Now I've got a bump!"

Sebastian chuckled, gently rubbing her forehead, his touch soft and indulgent. He'd heard her conversation with Ella—and this little troublemaker had been thinking exactly what he was.