Chapter 209

Her sharp words and mocking tone nearly made Catlin faint from anger. “Just admit it, did you cause the Hart family's current troubles?” Catlin was finished; she couldn't bear another word. Stephanie’s mouth was truly maddening—no wonder she thrived in a small town, where sharp tongues were commonplace.

Stephanie’s voice was icy. “You guess.”

“You’re…”

“We’re no longer connected. Stop calling unexpectedly. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you miss me.”

Before Catlin could reply, the call ended. It always ended this way. Every attempt to contact Stephanie resulted only in frustration. Who taught her to speak like that? It was infuriating!

At the studio, Sebastian Giovanni saw Stephanie limping toward the elevator. In a few quick strides, he reached her and swept her into his arms. The entire office watched in awe, murmuring, “They really look sweet together.” Stephanie clung to his neck. “What are you doing? Put me down, I can walk.”

The city's weather had been harsh lately, and life had been difficult for Stephanie. Sebastian simply lifted her and carried her to the elevator.

In the office, a junior designer whispered to Jennifer, “The boss’s brother is so handsome! That cool demeanor… Wow, he’s perfect!” Jennifer rolled her eyes. “Stop fantasizing.”

“Can’t I dream a little?”

Jennifer gave her a warning look. “Watch out, the boss might hear you!”

Sebastian carefully settled Stephanie in the car and draped a blanket over her legs. Despite the car’s comfortable temperature, the weather change still left her miserable. “Why didn’t you say anything about the pain?” Sebastian asked.

Stephanie sighed. “I’m used to it.”

Sebastian paused, adjusting the blanket, his eyes flickering with an unreadable expression. He didn't comment, only asking, “Have you been keeping up with physiotherapy?”

At the mention, Stephanie looked away. Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t, have you?”

She mumbled, “Well… I’m afraid of the pain.” Massage therapy wasn't unbearable, but she had a severe fear of electrotherapy machines. The mere thought of them panicked her. This fear made city winters especially difficult for her over the past two years.

Sebastian turned to the driver. “Tell Marco to bring it.”

Stephanie’s heart leaped. “Seb…”

“Be good.”

His soothing voice instantly calmed her. She truly feared those machines—any kind moving on her body. It stemmed from her kidnapping, when one of her captors had a morbid fascination with them.

Elliot called Marco, then received another call. Turning to Sebastian, he said, “Mr. Hodge is already en route to Mount Spring.” The contract signing was scheduled for today, but the trip to Mount Spring was a last-minute decision by Sebastian. Mr. Hodge, naturally, couldn't object and had to adapt to Sebastian's schedule.

Sebastian nodded. “You and Ethan go ahead.”

“Understood,” Elliot replied.

By noon, they reached Mount Spring. As they exited the car, Sebastian moved to lift Stephanie, but she quickly grasped his hand. “I can walk.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Hmm? All grown up now, not letting me carry you?”

Stephanie rolled her eyes. So he noticed? It wasn't appropriate for him to carry her now that she was older. Seeing her surprised expression, Sebastian chuckled, and before she could protest, he swept her up and strode confidently toward the wooden building.

Chapter 210