Chapter 29

Stephanie remained firm, her words sharp and biting. Chris, frustrated, took another drag of his cigarette. He seemed to hit a wall, finally asking, “Then what do you suggest? What should I do?” In his mind, he'd done everything he could—what more did she want? All he needed was for Allison to return. With her, Olivia had a chance.

Stephanie, cool and composed, replied, “Don’t mention the wedding again. It’s over.”

“Chris, you—” Grace snapped, clearly annoyed. Chris froze, ash falling from his cigarette onto his hand. “Why do you have to…”

The words “It’s over” hit him harder than anything else. He couldn't comprehend it. With her financial problems, why did she think she could simply walk away from him?

Seeing his shock, Stephanie sneered. “Forget about Allison, too. If you can get her back to treat Olivia, then go ahead. You’re rich, you’re capable; you don’t need me, right?” Her words blended sarcasm with an uncomfortable truth.

Chris's face twisted in anger at her mocking tone. If money and power could solve his problems with Allison, he wouldn't be pleading with Stephanie for help. He'd exhausted all his connections, but they'd all refused him. He'd already contacted Allison, and she'd flatly refused. Furthermore, the man supporting Allison was making it impossible for Chris to force her hand.

Chris's expression shifted to pure frustration. Stephanie didn't even glance at him. She asked bluntly, “Anything else? If not, take me to Eastview Tower.” Finding a cab wasn't easy. Since Chris had sent Kevin off with her car, he was stuck driving her.

Chris paused, as if an idea had just struck him. He raised an eyebrow. “What's at Eastview Tower? Got an interview? Looking for a backup job?”

Stephanie didn't flinch. Her voice was flat. “None of your business.” Her tone was sharper this time, cutting through the car's tension. Chris blinked, caught off guard. Frustration simmered within him, but he couldn't express it. Stephanie had truly changed—she wasn't the passive girl he remembered. Now, she was bold and rebellious. In that moment, Chris felt an urge to discipline her, to make her comply.

But before he could speak, his phone rang. It was Olivia. Chris glanced at Stephanie, hesitated, then answered.

His voice softened. “Olivia, are you awake?”

“Chris. I feel terrible.” Olivia's weak, distressed voice filled the phone, tightening Chris's chest. His gaze flicked to Stephanie again; his irritation shifted toward her, but underneath it was concern for Olivia.

“Don’t worry, call the doctor,” he said gently.

Olivia let out a faint, tired “Mm,” almost inaudible. “The doctor said this is how I feel now. Feeling terrible is normal.”

Chris frowned. “Did they give you any medicine?”

Olivia coughed a couple of times, sounding fragile. “No, they said I’ve had enough medication.”

Chris paused, considering. He understood why the doctor hadn't prescribed more—she'd already been on so many medications, likely needing them every half hour. Adding more would make her shaky and unsteady.

Chris's worry deepened. “I’m coming over right now.”

“No, it’s okay,” Olivia immediately replied. “If you’re busy, don’t worry about it.”