Chapter 184

At the hospital, Chris fumed. A shattered arm? He could barely contain his rage. He barked at Kevin, “I don’t care how you do it. Find out who that man is!” Kevin had already hit a dead end. If it were easy, he would have found out long ago.

Just as Chris finished his treatment, his phone rang. Fred’s voice was sharp and impatient: “Get to the office. Now.”

Chris frowned. “You’re at the office?” His face darkened at the news. Since relinquishing the company, their father hadn’t been near the building.

Thirty minutes later, Chris entered Ashford Group, his presence instantly making employees tense. The bruises and cast spoke volumes; this was no accident. The second he opened the office door, a glass of water flew at him, smashing against his forehead. Warm liquid dripped down his face.

Kevin stiffened. If Fred was throwing things, this was serious.

“Get in here!” Fred roared.

Chris clenched his jaw, entering as Kevin quickly shut the door. No one would dare eavesdrop.

Fred’s glare was ice-cold. “What the hell are you doing? You’re still entangled with that Hart girl?”

Chris wiped his face and scoffed. “That’s why you called me back?”

His tone enraged Fred. “Called you back? Chris, do you even realize what’s happening? The Lucano family has chosen their business partner!”

Chris’s expression darkened. “What?”

“You heard me,” Fred snapped. “How are you this clueless?”

Chris was completely unaware. Seeing his silence, Fred knew. “This deal is practically sealed, and you haven’t even met the other party!”

Chris’s stomach sank. “Who is it?”

“Who did the Lucano family pick as their Long Harbor partner?” Chris’s voice was ice-cold.

Fred didn't answer immediately. If he knew, he wouldn't be arguing—he'd be with the Lucano heir. So far, the heir had only met with his chosen partner, excluding everyone else. “If I knew, do you think I’d still be here? Find out, now!”

“Chris, if we don’t secure a replacement, do you understand the consequences? That mineral is the backbone of our operation. Without it, production will halt.” The fact that Chris was still concerned with Olivia Hart enraged him. “If this company goes under, Olivia Hart goes down with it.”

His tone was sharp, the threat unmistakable. Chris’s expression darkened further, but inside, his chest tightened. He knew his father; he didn’t make empty threats. He understood the mineral's importance.

“I got it,” he said through gritted teeth.

Fred took a slow drag from his cigarette. “Your mother was right. That woman is nothing but trouble.”