Macro rubbed his frigid hands. “You pushed her, and you vented your anger. I don’t know her, so don’t blame me.” Although the push had been relatively gentle in Sebastian’s view, Kaero knew Sebastian wouldn't let things slide. The Careta family might need to wait. But, to be honest, he had nothing to do with it.

Sebastian asked, “She wasn’t with you?”

“She was, but we’re not close. We’ve only met once, Sten. Do you have a problem with her?” They nearly fought right after meeting, so it was clear there was some history there.

Stephanie replied, “She’s Olivia’s best friend.”

Macro couldn’t help but smirk. “No wonder! It all makes sense now!” Olivia was clearly trying to make things difficult for Stephanie, worried Stephanie might supplant her in the Hart family. With that kind of mentality, she’d definitely try to smear Stephanie’s name. Anyone associated with Olivia disliked Stephanie. The Hart family had practically brainwashed their parents, so one best friend was inconsequential.

Macro sighed. “Had I known she was tied to Olivia, I would’ve steered clear.” It was one thing to upset anyone, but quite another to incur Sebastian’s displeasure. He glanced at Sebastian. “Mr. Hodge has arrived; aren’t you going to meet him?”

“Elliot and Ethan already met him.”

So, Sebastian was just here to keep Stephanie company at the hot springs? Recalling his earlier errand, he looked at Stephanie. “Have you been keeping up with your psychotherapy these past two years?”

Stephanie nodded quietly.

Macro sighed. Knew it. The girl was afraid of therapy machines. Who else but Sebastian could manage her?

Mayra, still furious, called Olivia. “I was trying to get Macro on your side, and that bitch Stephanie Giovanni ruined everything!” Mayra was seething. Here was a daughter the Hart family didn’t even care about, and yet someone was still protecting her.

When Olivia heard about Mayra and Stephanie’s encounter at the hot springs, her expression darkened. She had wanted to visit the hot springs too. Every winter, the entire Hart family would go to the hot springs together, but this year, everyone was staying away because of her.

Just as Mayra was about to say more, she noticed Chris in the distance. “Wait, is that Chris?” Mayra exclaimed.

Olivia’s voice tightened. “What? Chris is at the hot springs?”

“Yeah, I saw him. Could he be following Stephanie?”

Olivia froze, hearing Mayra’s uncertain guess. Her eyes narrowed.

Mayra continued, “Olivia, you’ve got to keep an eye on that guy, especially around Stephanie. You have no idea what she’s capable of; she almost married Chris before. And there’s this man, Macro, who’s been protecting her. She hates you, so be careful. She might be playing Chris, too.” Just mentioning Macro angered Mayra. She’d seen Stephanie with another man, and yet Macro was still following her around like a fool.

Olivia’s expression darkened further, and she clenched her teeth. “Got it.” Before Mayra could say more, Olivia hung up abruptly. She gripped the phone tightly, her breathing uneven.

Chris’s phone rang unanswered. Could it be true, as Mayra said, that Chris was also at the hot springs looking for Stephanie? Is he unable to let her go? A flash of coldness crossed Olivia’s eyes as she gritted her teeth and dialed Chris’s number again. Again, the call was disconnected. Fuming, she tried again.

Meanwhile, Chris felt unsettled by Stephanie’s presence at the hot springs. On top of that, he was supposed to meet an heir from the Lucano family, but the person was nowhere to be found. His frustration mounted as Olivia’s calls started flooding in. Finally, he answered, trying to keep his voice calm. “Olivia.”

“Chris, where are you?” she demanded.