Chapter 189

Stephanie lazily rolled over in bed. “Yeah, I almost starved to death after going back to the Harts.”

Starved? She threw that word right back at them. A measly $7,000 a month, and even that was inconsistent. Good thing she never relied on their money; otherwise, she’d have gone hungry for real. "You–!"

Catlin was so furious her vision blurred.

Stephanie scoffed. "Sucking the Harts dry? Do you even have any blood to suck?" And dragging the Giovannis into it too? Please. "You think you even have enough blood to spare?"

"You–you’re unbelievable! Then tell me, what the hell is all this about?" Catlin shouted. Stephanie paused. Oh, right. She hadn’t even checked what was trending yet. But why did she stir up this storm? "Obviously, so you guys don’t suck me dry instead."

She had no interest in whatever scraps the Harts had left. But once they found out the Giovannis had raised her, who’s to say they wouldn’t turn around and try leeching off them instead? Better to burn the bridge completely.

Catlin nearly had a stroke. "Us? Bleed you dry? Over your lousy million?"

"You’re seriously underestimating the Harts. That pocket change of yours? We couldn’t care less."

Hearing that, Stephanie smirked. "Well, then, Mrs. Hart, be sure to remember what you just said."

"You should remember it!" Catlin spat before slamming the phone down.

Stephanie heard the dial tone and snorted. "Fine. Whoever forgets first isn’t even human." Hmph!

Just then, Sebastian walked in, catching sight of Stephanie rolling around in bed, still fuming. She had changed into a nightgown earlier, but with all that tossing, her legs were now fully exposed. Sebastian swallowed hard, his body heating up uncontrollably.

"What’s got you so worked up?" he asked, stepping forward with a bowl of hangover soup.

His sudden voice startled Stephanie. She quickly pulled the covers over herself. "Why didn’t you knock?"

Sebastian set the bowl on her nightstand and sat down beside her. With one swift motion, he tugged the blanket off her head. "Haven't I seen everything already?"

Stephanie’s mind blanked for a second. Her face burned as she yanked the covers back, trying to disappear under them. But Sebastian was faster. He pulled her into his lap, holding her in place. "Be good. Drink the soup, then sleep."

The loose neckline of her robe slipped slightly, and Sebastian’s gaze unintentionally landed on her well-developed physique. Clearing his throat, he quickly wrapped the blanket around her more securely before handing her the bowl. "Drink up."

Stephanie squirmed. "I can drink it myself."

Sebastian’s voice was calm but firm. "Don't argue." He held her steady, his grip around her waist making it clear he wasn’t letting go. He knew she hated the taste of hangover soup. If he let her go now, she’d come up with a hundred excuses not to drink it.

Stephanie sniffed the bowl, wrinkling her nose. "Can I wait until it cools down?"

Sebastian raised a brow. "Want me to feed you?"

She froze. Her eyes darted to Sebastian cautiously. Meeting his serious, unwavering gaze, her heart skipped a beat.