Chapter 198

As expected, Fred was livid when he heard the news. “Still saying he’s got nothing to do with Olivia? This is what ‘nothing’ looks like?” Even seeing her was now off the table. Grace's face darkened at the butler's report. Fred glanced at her. "Go to the hospital yourself tomorrow," he instructed.

"What about the Lucanos heir? We're supposed to review the contract with their chosen partner tomorrow," Grace countered.

Fred's expression grew grim. The thought alone made him want to drag Chris home and knock some sense into him. Grace felt the same.

Meanwhile, after leaving the Ashford estate, Chris attempted to locate the Lucanos heir, but Grace called first. Her voice was chillingly cold. "From now on, you are not to see Olivia."

Chris frowned. "This has nothing to do with her." His tone was firm, unwavering.

Grace scoffed. "We've been given a clear response. You are never to see her again. And you still think she has nothing to do with this?"

Chris was stunned. "What?"

"Chris, Olivia is nothing but trouble. No one knows what she was up to these past two years abroad, and now she's back, sick? Don't be so naive." Her sharp tone carried a heavy implication.

Chris's lips tightened, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Don't talk about her like that."

"Then tell me, how exactly did she end up with cervical cancer?" she challenged.

"Do you really think that's something you can only get from marriage or having kids?" His voice was laced with frustration. Rumors about Olivia's illness had spread, filled with cruel whispers. Chris could usually ignore them, but hearing it from his mother—who had watched Olivia grow up—was unbearable.

"Mom, you know what kind of person Olivia is."

Grace's voice remained cold. "I've never thought she was a good person. Otherwise, why would she have set her sights on you while Stephanie was still in the hospital?" To Grace, Olivia was a scheming woman, one who would bring chaos to the Ashford family. And now, before she'd even fully arrived, trouble had already begun. Chris's expression darkened.

Grace continued, "Listen to me. From now on, you are not to see Olivia, especially before we finalize the deal with the Lucanos. We can't afford to offend them right now." She didn't care about the aftermath, but if Chris saw Olivia before the deal, Grace would ensure Olivia paid the price. The icy warning in her tone brooked no argument. "Do you hear me?"

When he didn't immediately respond, her voice sharpened.

Chris finally spoke. "I hear you." If this was the price to secure the deal, he would wait.

Satisfied, Grace hung up. Chris, however, immediately called Olivia. She answered almost instantly, her voice soft yet brimming with excitement. "Chris, I've packed everything." Even through the phone, he sensed her good spirits, despite Fred's men guarding her door. Olivia didn't believe Fred would truly confront his son.

Hearing her say she'd packed, Chris felt a headache coming on. His brows furrowed, his temple throbbed.

"Chris? Chris?" Olivia called his name twice when he didn't respond. He had no idea what to say. Just a week ago, he'd confidently promised her she could move to Whispering Bay to recover. But now? He couldn't make it happen. Growing up, he'd never been denied anything. Yet, this time, even money couldn't solve the problem.