Chapter 223

The moment Kevin realized Fred had also arrived, he knew they were in serious trouble. Fred despised Chris's distraction by women—especially this entanglement with Olivia. He was furious. The Ashford Group was at a critical juncture, and distractions were unacceptable.

Chris took another drag of his cigarette, his frustration palpable. "Did you find out?" he asked, his voice cold. Kevin lowered his head silently. At such a crucial moment, Chris was preoccupied with seemingly insignificant matters. Kevin sighed, rubbing his forehead. No wonder Old Mr. Ashford had intervened. By now, the Lucano family and Jackson had probably sealed their deal. Old Mr. Ashford had only arrived to salvage what remained—the substantial profit was long gone.

Kevin nodded. "Yes, she came with the man who assaulted you." Chris's face darkened further. Kevin scratched his head, adding, "Miss Giovanni and the man who hit you… they appear to be dating." He could only offer this, as he still didn't know the man's name. His investigation confirmed Stephanie's arrival at Whispering Bay in the same car as that man. Chris's face darkened again.

Before Kevin could speak further, Chris's phone buzzed with a message from Olivia. A short text read: "[Chris, I can't go to Whispering Bay for recovery, right?]" His expression darkened further. Memories of his past mockery of Stephanie resurfaced. They had sneered that without her engagement to him and the Hart family's support, she would amount to nothing. Yet, she thrived. Knowing Stephanie had lived comfortably at Whispering Bay all along, Chris felt the absurdity of their taunts. She must have seen them as nothing more than fools!

Chris stared at Olivia's message, then typed a single word in reply: "[Yes!]" Whether he liked it or not, the truth was undeniable. Their attempt to acquire Whispering Bay had reached an impasse.

They had witnessed Stephanie's unwavering resolve firsthand. She wouldn't yield an inch. She clearly knew he was trying to buy Whispering Bay for Olivia's recovery but remained silent, watching as if it were a joke. The more Chris considered it, the darker his expression became.

About ten minutes later, Fred emerged, his face grim. The deal had failed. The second their eyes met, Fred's fury blazed in his eyes. He tried to restrain himself, but failed. With a roar of rage, he strode forward and kicked Chris hard. "You ungrateful little bastard! You're going to be the death of me!"

The impact sent Chris stumbling. Kevin caught him, preventing a hard fall. Fred glared, his expression murderous. The deal was irrevocably dead. Still seething, he turned abruptly and left, fearing he might kill his son if he stayed.

Steve followed, glancing briefly at Chris before hurrying after Fred. Chris stopped him. "Steve, how bad was it?" He knew from Fred's face, but needed confirmation. Steve sighed, shaking his head. "The Lucano Group has chosen. They'll only work with one partner in Long Harbor—the Hodge Group."

The Ashford Group never had a chance. Even Fred couldn't sway them. There was no turning back. Chris's face was grim. Steve, choosing his words carefully, added, "Mr. Ashford, you really shouldn't have made things so difficult with Miss Giovanni." Recalling Mr. Lucano's words, he shook his head. "According to rumors from Fiorenza, Mr. Lucano is fiercely protective of his own."

Chris's expression darkened. Protective? Of whom? Stephanie? All this… for a woman? He cursed inwardly.