Chapter 24

Grace cut him off, her voice frosty. "Did you forget what I told you in the study earlier?" Her words were laced with disdain.

Seeing his mother's fury, Chris hesitated. Grace tightened her grip on Stephanie's arm, her gaze unwavering. It was a look that could cut steel.

Chris, unconcerned, ignored her, turned, and headed for the door.

"Stop right there!" Grace commanded.

Chris paused momentarily but didn't turn. He strode out without a word. Grace's fury mounted.

When the door slammed, an awkward silence descended. Stephanie and Grace were alone. Stephanie removed Grace's hand and took off her diamond necklace, handing it over without speaking.

Regret filled Grace's eyes. "You don't have to do this..."

Stephanie shook her head, cutting her off. "You saw how Chris handled things."

She had been planning how to tell Grace there was no future for her and Chris. The Ashfords had treated her well, and she no longer needed to pretend. Chris had inadvertently simplified things considerably.

Grace's expression hardened. "Yeah, Chris is the problem. I'll deal with that little brat." She couldn't blame Stephanie; Chris was at fault.

"Stefi, he's just confused," Grace continued. "Please, give him another chance. I'll set him straight."

Stephanie's gaze dropped. "For two years, I've given him chances. Visiting Olivia abroad is one thing, but this—this is different."

She was finished. Another chance was unthinkable; it would be a waste of time. But she wouldn't appear petty. If the wedding was off, Chris would bear the blame.

Grace's eyes widened as she processed Stephanie's words about Olivia. "He goes to see Olivia often?"

Stephanie sighed. "Last month—on my birthday—he was overseas…"

Further explanation was unnecessary. The cruel irony—they shared birthdays. On her birthday, Chris was celebrating Olivia's overseas. His family, assuming a business trip, hadn't questioned his absence.

Now, hearing the truth, Grace's face fell, her lips trembling with anger.

"That little brat!" she hissed, her fists clenched. She wanted to call Chris, bring him home, and confront him.

Then, Grace remembered her conversation with Olivia two years prior. Olivia was to stay away from Chris. Now, it seemed Olivia had no shame, no self-respect. Grace's blood boiled.