Chapter 27

Chris, angered by her icy stare, took a deep drag from his cigarette and exhaled sharply. "I know you can drive," he muttered, "but I need to talk to you about something."

Stephanie remained motionless, her eyes still cold. "I don't want to." Without another word, she turned toward her car.

But Chris quickly intercepted her, grabbing her arm as she reached for the door. She glared at him. "Let go."

Ignoring her, Chris pulled her away from the car, his grip firm. Stephanie, realizing his superior strength, reluctantly complied. Her eyes blazed with anger.

"Let go of me," she hissed, her teeth clenched.

Chris remained silent, dragging her toward his car and snatching her keys. He tossed them to Kevin, who effortlessly caught them and sped off in her car.

Stephanie's fury intensified. "You jerk..."

Chris finally released her, but the damage was done. "Get him back!" she demanded, her voice rising.

By then, Chris was already in his car, the engine roaring to life. He glanced at her. "So, you coming or not?"

Fuming, Stephanie kicked his tire in frustration. After a long pause, she climbed into the back seat, unwilling to be defeated.

Chris, always eager to provoke, retorted, "Come to the front."

Stephanie crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Are you leaving or not?"

"Stephanie!" Chris snapped, his tone sharp, cutting through the silence.

Undeterred, she retorted, "Go ahead, yell. Let everyone hear it." The thought of sitting beside him made her skin crawl.

Chris gritted his teeth, his frustration mounting. Finally, he revved the engine, driving away from the Ashford house toward Cloudridge Valley.

Stephanie kept her arms folded, her eyes fixed on the window. "Take me to Eastview Tower."

Chris glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "Eastview? Why?" He couldn't understand why she'd want to go to a place filled with corporate executives. Eastview Tower, to Chris, was simply not a place for someone like Stephanie.

Stephanie, clearly annoyed, snapped back, "None of your business."

Chris felt his temper flare. Ever since Olivia's arrival, Stephanie seemed barely able to be civil with him.

They drove a few more blocks before Chris abruptly pulled over. Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

Chris gripped the steering wheel, taking another long drag from his cigarette. The smoke swirled around him. "If you bring Allison back, I'll stop seeing Olivia."

Stephanie blinked, taken aback. She studied him, trying to gauge his sincerity.

Before she could respond, Chris pulled a black card from his wallet and thrust it toward her. Confused, she eyed the card, unsure of its purpose. "What's this for?"