Chapter 187

Chris felt a headache coming on. His father had sent ten men to watch Olivia? “I’ll handle it,” Catlin said, her voice tight with frustration. “Chris, I know your family disapproves, but she’s sick! How can she recover when they’re treating her like a prisoner?”

Chris pinched the bridge of his nose. “I get it.”

“She should leave the hospital. Has Whispering Bay been set up? If so, she should move there to rest.” After the Ashfords’ actions, Olivia couldn't remain in the hospital.

The mention of Whispering Bay darkened Chris’s expression. “It’s still being arranged. Tell her to stay calm,” he said before hanging up.

“Still arranging? What do you mean?” Catlin’s unease was palpable.

Chris frowned. “Let’s leave it at that. I’ll call you later.” He had no answer and hung up abruptly.

The car was eerily quiet. After a moment, his voice dropped to an icy tone. “Head to Whispering Bay.”

Kevin Wright, driving, was taken aback. He hesitated. “But we just learned the Macro family heir is at Butterfly Garden, fishing.” Tracking him had been nearly impossible. Shouldn’t they go there first?

Chris’s tone darkened. “Whispering Bay. Now.”

Kevin didn’t argue. “Understood.”

They reached an intersection. Without a word, Kevin made a U-turn. Still, he reminded Chris, “Tomorrow, they’re reviewing the contract with Jackson Hodge’s team.” If everything checked out, the deal would be signed, with no turning back. And Jackson, once controlling the mines, wouldn’t give Chris a share.

Chris remained silent.

His phone buzzed. It was Olivia. He answered, his voice softer. “Olivia.”

Olivia’s voice trembled. “Chris, your father…” The fear and frustration were evident. Ten bodyguards outside her room—suffocating.

Chris kept his voice steady. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”

“Chris, I want to leave. I can’t stay another minute. Please, let me go,” she pleaded. Given the Ashfords’ treatment, her terror was understandable.

Chris exhaled. “Alright. You’ll be discharged.” He couldn’t refuse.

Olivia hesitated. “Can I leave tomorrow?” Despite Chris’s reassurance, she felt uneasy—perhaps her illness—afraid she wouldn’t survive.

Chris’s headache worsened. He pinched his nose. “Alright, tomorrow.” He had to settle the Whispering Bay deal tonight, no matter what. His eyes hardened with icy determination.

He hung up on Olivia; his father’s name flashed on his screen. He declined the call. He knew what his father wanted.

They arrived at Whispering Bay, only to be stopped at the gate. Kevin glanced at Chris, hesitant. Chris’s voice was cold and firm. “Go talk to them. I need to see the owner.” There was no negotiation; he wasn't leaving without a meeting.

Kevin nodded grimly. Jackson did the same, reaching for the door, when a car passed them, admitted without issue. Was that…the estate’s owner? The car seemed familiar.

“Sir, isn’t that the same car Miss Giovanni got into outside Eastview Tower earlier?”