Chapter 219

The tension between Catlin and Stephanie was so intense that any attempt at reconciliation seemed futile. Catlin hesitated to approach Stephanie directly. Instead, she called Tyler. "Is the situation at the company really as bad as your father says?"

Tyler sighed wearily. "It's really bad, Mom. If they don't back down, we could face even bigger problems."

"That company? The one that gave Stephanie’s studio money?"

"Yes."

Catlin fell silent, a question forming in her mind: Could Stephanie be this powerful? How could she not know about this? She voiced her doubts. "Could this just be a guess, Tyler? Maybe it has nothing to do with Stephanie?"

The truth was, Catlin was reluctant to grovel to Stephanie. However, if the company truly had ties to her, Catlin had no choice but to follow Chad's instructions. Chad's voice, when she spoke to him, was low and furious. "She's the one causing all this," he'd said, his bitterness evident.

Catlin's heart pounded. "Is it really her?"

"Yes, that opportunist," Tyler confirmed, his anger growing with each passing moment. Catlin’s already low spirits sank further.

After the call, Catlin returned to Olivia's hospital room. Olivia lay pale and weak, her hair noticeably thinner. She hadn't looked in a mirror in days. The specialists had all given the same prognosis: Olivia needed Doctors Pierce and Vitale. Each chemotherapy session was agonizing.

"Olivia, I'm stepping out for a bit," Catlin said, her heart aching. She longed to stay, but Stephanie's actions demanded her attention. The thought of Stephanie only fueled her frustration.

Olivia asked, "Mom, are you going to see Stefi?"

"Yes, be good. I'll be back soon."

"Okay."

Though outwardly calm, Olivia seethed inwardly. Why couldn't they get rid of her? Why couldn't they send her away?

As soon as Catlin left, Olivia received another call—the same man, demanding money. "Money, money, money! What do you think I have? I'm barely holding onto my life!" she snapped, furious. She was already struggling with her recovery because of Stephanie, and now this? Were they trying to break her? No, she wouldn't let them. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction.

Meanwhile, in Mount Spring, Elliot and Jackson finalized their contract, although two minor issues required immediate attention. Jackson promptly ordered the necessary revisions. While waiting, a server whispered to Elliot, "Mr. Grant, Mr. Fred Ashford has arrived."

Elliot frowned. "Tell him to wait." Fred's arrival surprised him. Was he truly this worried about Chris? It made sense, considering Chris's recent actions and injuries.

Elliot glanced at Jackson. "Please wait a moment, Mr. Hodge. I need to speak with Mr. Giovanni."

Jackson nodded unconcerned. The deal was secure. He overheard the server's quiet announcement of Fred's arrival but remained unfazed. Whether it was Ped or even Fred himself, it made no difference now.

When Elliot found Sebastian and Stephanie, they had just left the hot springs. Sebastian was toweling Stephanie dry, wrapping her in a robe.

Elliot approached. "Sir Fred is here."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. Stephanie, too, was surprised. Fred's personal visit highlighted his disappointment in his son. With Fred's arrival, Chris must be near. It would be interesting to see Chris's reaction upon seeing Sebastian.