Chapter 50

Stephanie went downstairs for lunch. The kitchen had prepared all her favorite dishes. She'd claimed she wasn't hungry, but the familiar aromas were irresistible. The taste of home. She hadn't eaten like this in her two years in Long Harbor, and once she started, she couldn't stop. She devoured her meal while a servant watched in astonishment, clearly shocked by her appetite.

The landline rang. It was Sebastian, inquiring about Stephanie. The butler answered, glancing toward the dining hall. "Miss Giovanni has awakened and is having lunch," he reported. "Her appetite is excellent; she's already had four plates of pasta."

Stephanie froze. Four plates? She hadn't realized she'd eaten so much. She hadn't consumed that quantity in three years. She didn't hear Sebastian's full response, but after the butler hung up, he quickly entered the dining room.

"My apologies for the interruption, Miss," he said. "Mr. Giovanni says you've eaten too much. You'll upset your stomach."

Stephanie, about to take another bite of fish, reluctantly put down her bowl. Sebastian's words always held weight.

She finished her meal and left Whispering Bay to meet Jennifer. Unexpectedly, she encountered Kevin, who was inquiring about the property's owner. He froze in surprise. "Miss Giovanni?" he asked. "What are you doing here?"

Stephanie arched an eyebrow but didn't answer. Instead, she countered, "What about you? What brings you here?" In Kevin's mind, she had no reason to be there, but as far as Stephanie was concerned, neither did he.

Kevin quickly masked his surprise. "Just handling some business," he replied.

Stephanie's lips curved slightly. "Business?" She knew Whispering Bay had only one manor. What business could Kevin possibly have here? Neither Chris nor Sebastian had any dealings with the place, as far as she knew. She studied him a moment before pressing, "What kind of business, exactly?"

Kevin hesitated, seeming to want to speak but unable. That was confirmation enough for Stephanie. She smirked. "Let me guess. This is about Olivia, isn't it?"

"Um…" Kevin murmured. His silence was telling.

With a quiet scoff, Stephanie turned and walked away, leaving Kevin watching her disappear down the path.

The security guard, who had used their conversation to make a quick phone call, turned back to Kevin. "You should leave," the guard said. "The manager isn't taking visitors."

Kevin's brows furrowed. "And the manor?"

"It's not available for rent," the guard replied. The firmness of the response caught Kevin off guard.

Still refusing to give up, he tried again. "Are you sure? Did you even discuss the rent with them?" He knew the urgency of the situation. Olivia's health was deteriorating rapidly, and Chris would spare no expense to ensure her final days were comfortable.

But the guard gave him a look of mild disdain. "Mr. Wright, while the Ashford family may be the wealthiest in Long Harbor, do you really think the owner of this estate needs rent money?"

Kevin had no answer. He took a different approach. "At least tell me who the owner is. Our situation is unique, and we really need the place."

Kevin understood Chris's determination. It wasn't that the Ashfords lacked suitable properties—far from it. The problem lay with the Ashford elders, who deeply resented Olivia. If Chris moved Olivia into one of their manors, the elders would undoubtedly interfere, and peace would be impossible.

The guard's expression turned cold at his question. "You're asking the wrong questions, Mr. Wright."

Kevin exhaled sharply, realizing he'd hit a dead end. Over the years, many had tried to uncover the identity of Whispering Bay's mysterious owner, all unsuccessfully.

Reporting back to Chris, his frustration was evident. "They won't rent it out. And no one knows who owns the place," he said.

Seeing Chris's darkened expression, he hesitated before adding, "I also ran into Miss Giovanni there."

Chris's expression tightened. Tyler interjected, "You saw her? Where?" Tyler recalled spending the morning at Stephanie's door in Cloudridge Valley. He hadn't expected to find her leisurely strolling around Whispering Bay.