Chapter 3

As Stephanie exited the building, she saw Olivia emerging from a car. Chris’s assistant, Kevin Wright, opened the door for Olivia, who handed him several shopping bags. “Give these to the secretaries,” she instructed with a graceful nod, her posture radiating authority. Kevin accepted the bags with a respectful nod. “Thank you, Miss Hart.”

Olivia smiled softly before turning, her eyes meeting Stephanie’s across the parking lot. Stephanie narrowed her gaze. Olivia paused, then approached. “Stefi.” Her voice was sweet, almost sisterly. Stephanie knew this sweetness was for Kevin's benefit; the challenge in Olivia’s eyes was undeniable.

As Olivia drew closer, her voice dropped to a near whisper. “You’re his fiancée, yet he wants me at his workplace. What does that mean?” Stephanie remained silent, then scoffed. “I’m his fiancée, and I can visit here, and even the Ashford family, anytime I please. Where else can you go? Oh, right—secret meetings don't count.”

Olivia’s face flickered with surprise and irritation, quickly masked, but her eyes narrowed with cold fury. Stephanie realized Olivia couldn’t go to the Ashford family; their old-fashioned relatives would never accept her. A surge of satisfaction washed over Stephanie.

Olivia glared, her voice sharp. “Don’t get too comfortable. As long as I’m around, you’ll never marry him.” Stephanie smiled slightly, her tone unaffected, brushing imaginary dust from her shoulder. “The world doesn’t revolve around him. I don’t need to marry him.” Stephanie had known from the start that Chris's heart belonged elsewhere; leaving him had always been the right decision. It was time to act decisively.

Olivia stiffened. “What do you mean?” She stared, completely bewildered. She had always believed Stephanie was hopelessly in love with Chris. She remembered their fierce battles over him two years ago. This indifference felt like a facade.

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. “Exactly what I said. If I lose Chris, I can move on. But you? He's the only man who'll ever marry you, and you won't even have a grand wedding. Honestly, I almost feel sorry for you.”

Olivia’s already pale face drained white with fury. Stephanie secretly reveled in seeing Olivia's confidence crumble. She wondered why Olivia provoked her today—perhaps she’d forgotten the bitter lesson from two years ago.

Stephanie turned to leave, but Olivia grabbed her wrist. “Stefi, I’m back in town to see a doctor. I don’t want to come between you and Chris. Please, don’t misunderstand.”

“Let go of me,” Stephanie said, her face twisting in disgust at Olivia’s touch. Olivia yanked her hand back forcefully. A sharp slap echoed. Stephanie barely registered it. Then, she heard Chris’s enraged voice: “Stephanie!” The drama queen was performing for her favorite audience.

Stephanie glanced at Olivia, still acting, then at the nearby fountain. A smirk played on her lips as she stalked toward Olivia, grabbing her hair. Olivia screamed. With a sharp jerk, Stephanie dunked Olivia’s head into the icy water.

Olivia thrashed in panic, but Stephanie held her firmly under. If Olivia wanted to play the victim, Stephanie would give her a performance she wouldn't forget. “Help!” Olivia screamed as Stephanie briefly raised her head. Before Olivia could fully breathe, Stephanie shoved her head back under. Chris, running toward them, shouted, “Stephanie, stop!” Olivia felt her lungs burning.

Chris shoved Stephanie aside and pulled Olivia from the water. Olivia, drenched and coughing violently, struggled to speak. Chris, full of concern, looked at her anxiously. Olivia gasped for air, her chest burning. Her eyes were clouded with pain. Chris’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Stephanie.

Stephanie took two swift steps forward and stomped on Olivia’s ankle. Olivia screamed in agony. Chris roared, “Stephanie!” He shoved her away, his hands shaking. Unfazed, Stephanie raised her purse and threw it at Chris’s head. He staggered back, but his rage intensified. He couldn’t believe Stephanie’s brutality. Before he could react, Stephanie lunged, kicking Olivia in the leg. Olivia, already weakened, felt a sharp pain as her leg began to swell.