Chapter 201

If he hadn't meant anything by it, she'd be handing him a lifetime's worth of teasing material.

"Uh, I'll just go see Mrs. Blackwood on my own. Elliot can stick with you."

She needed to escape. Jerking free from Sebastian's grasp, she practically launched herself from the car, sprinting away without looking back.

Watching her go, Sebastian's smirk deepened. Elliot followed her with his gaze before commenting, "Miss Stephanie seems to understand things now."

"Understand what? She's still the same clueless little fool," Sebastian replied, his tone laced with fondness.

Elliot considered saying, "Keep teasing her like this, and one day she might actually snap," but decided against it. As long as Sebastian was enjoying himself, who was he to interfere?

"Go after her," Sebastian instructed. "Make sure the Hart family doesn't give her trouble."

"Yes, sir."

Elliot followed Stephanie, though he couldn't help thinking, Who in the Hart family could possibly bully her? Stephanie was more likely to injure them than get hurt herself. That kick she landed on Chris? He was probably looking at another hospital visit. Broken hand, injured leg, bruised face... He wondered about internal injuries. The man was a wreck.

Stephanie had no desire to visit the hospital, primarily because Mrs. Blackwood's room was near Olivia's. She still didn't understand the older woman's affection for her.

As she stepped off the elevator, chaos erupted.

"Let me out! I want to leave! Get out of my way!"

"Yeah! Who gave you the right to keep us here? Move!"

Great. The morning started with this mess. Stephanie almost turned back. Olivia was screaming, and Catlin looked equally furious.

From a distance, Stephanie saw several bodyguards outside Olivia's room. Judging by their reactions, they weren't sent by Chad. So...the Ashford family? That made sense. The Ashfords wanted nothing to do with Chris and Olivia's mess. Not just his parents—all four grandparents opposed it. But Chris persisted in pursuing Olivia, only worsening the situation. The Ashfords were getting desperate, and desperate people take extreme measures.

The elevator beside her opened, and Elliot stepped out. "Miss Stephanie, let's go."

"Okay," Stephanie Giovanni replied.

She walked past the commotion without acknowledging Olivia or Catlin. As far as Stephanie was concerned, she'd severed ties with the Hart family.

Catlin's face hardened upon seeing Stephanie. Without thinking, she released Olivia and marched toward her, stepping directly into Stephanie's path. "I need to talk to you."

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "Ma'am, do I know you?"

Catlin stiffened. Ma'am? That's how she addresses me now? Remembering Stephanie's public declaration of their estrangement—news that spread like wildfire—fueled Catlin's anger.

"You wanted to cut ties, fine, I let you! But why take it this far?" The entire Hart family was a laughingstock in Long Harbor. Since last night, Chad had called three times, demanding she fix the situation. Even the company was suffering. And now the Ashfords were pulling this stunt—definitely because of this.

Stephanie smirked. "Didn't I say? Just making sure you won't come sucking me dry later." Catlin's breath hitched.