Chapter 47

Catlin's rage blurred her vision. If Olivia weren't so ill, she would have confronted Stephanie immediately. But she couldn't waste time arguing over the phone. Taking a deep breath, she spoke coldly, her anger barely controlled. "Where are you? I'm coming to see you."

"What do you want?" Stephanie replied curtly.

Catlin gritted her teeth. "We need to talk."

Olivia's condition worsened by the minute. Catlin wanted to resolve things with Stephanie, give her what she wanted, to get Dr. Pierce back as soon as possible. She was ready to concede anything, but Stephanie showed no interest in negotiation.

"I have nothing to say to you," Stephanie answered coldly. "I'm done with the Hart family, and I don't need a mother like you. It's better if we pretend we never existed." She slammed the phone down.

The words hit Catlin like a slap. Her hands trembled, her face flushed. Stephanie's rejection echoed in her mind, each word sharper than the last.

Tyler emerged from Olivia's room, seeing Catlin's heartbreak. He knew instantly—Stephanie had struck again.

"What's wrong?" Catlin, on the verge of tears, spoke through gritted teeth. "Why does this always have to happen now? Why can't she wait until Olivia's better?"

"I'll talk to her," Tyler offered.

Catlin sighed, bitterness lacing her voice. "She won't even call Dr. Pierce. How did I end up with a daughter like this?" A single phone call had already caused chaos; she couldn't imagine the mess Stephanie would create if further cooperation were needed. She was losing faith, not only in Stephanie but in the family that raised her. "What kind of upbringing did the Giovannis give her? She's ungrateful, rude—they clearly failed her."

Tyler paused, then said, "You talk to the doctor. Let's see what else we can do for Olivia. I'll handle this."

"Fine," Catlin nodded, heading to speak with the doctors. Stephanie, despite their dissatisfaction, had become a key factor. They couldn't afford to alienate her now.

Olivia had endured a night of intense pain, barely clinging to life. Now, painkillers offered some comfort. She turned weakly to Chris.

"Chris," she whispered, "Do you think I'll ever see the sunrise again?" The sunrise had always been her favorite.

Chris squeezed her hand. "When you're better, I'll take you."

Olivia smiled faintly. "Has your family been bothering you?" Since discovering she wasn't a true Hart, the Ashfords had been cold and contemptuous. But she never let it show, especially to Chris.

"Don't worry about them," Chris replied.

Olivia sighed. "I don't think I have much time left. I'm afraid I won't make it."

"Don't say that!" Chris snapped.

Olivia coughed. "What about your wedding? Will it still happen?"

The question hung in the air, unsettling Chris. He remembered the man in Stephanie's room the other night—showered, in a towel, with her towel. Something about the man, his presence, screamed danger. And the weapon? No coincidence. But Stephanie had always been alone. Was this man someone from her past?

"Chris, are you listening?" Olivia asked gently. "If the family's okay with Stephanie, then just marry her."

Chris's eyes narrowed. A storm brewed inside, but he remained composed. "I won't marry her," he declared. The words weighed heavily on him.

Olivia's eyes widened. "But—"

"Enough," Chris cut in firmly. "Your health comes first. Let's drop it."

The door creaked open. Kevin entered, his gaze locking with Chris's. Without a word, Chris rose and gestured toward the door. "I'll step out. You should rest," he told Olivia.

"Alright," Olivia whispered, watching him leave.