Chapter 56

Tyler scoffed. "Even if you wanted to see Chris, this wasn't the way to do it. The Hodge family didn't invite you?" He had personally ensured Stephanie wasn't on the guest list. She'd been making waves since the engagement fallout, stirring trouble concerning Olivia. He wanted to avoid her presence at such a high-profile event.

But hearing his reply, Stephanie laughed. "See Chris? What would I need to see him for?"

Tyler's expression darkened. "Then why are you here? You think Chris will just let you keep making a scene? Panicked now that reality's sinking in?" He knew Chris had made it clear—he wouldn't marry Stephanie. In Tyler's opinion, it was her own fault; she'd been too reckless, too aggressive. The public breakup, forcing Dr. Pierce's departure… After all that, did she really expect Chris to tolerate her? He doubted it.

"You need to understand," Tyler continued, "whatever you and Chris had is over. You caused this. Even if we wanted to, we couldn't help you fix this mess."

Stephanie arched a brow. "Wow, you almost make it sound like you'd actually speak up for me." She wondered if these people were blind, deaf, or delusional. She'd turned Long Harbor's high society upside down, yet they still thought she was here for Chris?

Tyler's temper flared. "I don't care what you think—you need to leave. And while you're at it, try not to embarrass yourself further dressed like that."

Chris stepped forward, his expression unreadable. Then, seeing her attire, a flicker of undisguised contempt crossed his eyes.

"Leave. We're done. Isn't that what you wanted?" Chris's voice was cold.

Stephanie remained silent.

Chris moved closer, his tone dropping. "Listen, Stephanie, if I ever even think about marrying you again, I swear, I'd rather go to hell."

Lilian smirked, striding up in her high heels. "Well, you heard him," she sneered at Stephanie. "Mr. Ashford's never taking you back. Your little dream of being Long Harbor's most elite wife? Game over."

Stephanie looked at Lilian, her expression calm. "Well, if it's a dream, it's a nightmare—one I'm more than happy to wake up from."

Lilian's smirk deepened. "Keep telling yourself that. You're just putting on a brave face. Without Mr. Ashford, and after everything you did to the Hart family, let's see how long you last before you're begging on the streets."

Ella's patience snapped. "Excuse me, who are you calling a beggar? Even without the Ashfords and Harts, do you think she needs them to survive?"

Lilian let out a mocking laugh. "Oh? And how long are you planning to babysit her, huh?" She gave Stephanie a pointed look. "But even if you really want to spend your life carrying this lady's shoes, at least pick someone worth serving."

Ella bristled. "You—"

Slap! A crisp, ringing slap cut through the air. Lilian's head snapped to the side. Silence followed. Everyone stared, stunned. They all saw Stephanie had slapped Lilian. Stephanie hadn't planned to intervene, but Lilian's humiliation of Ella was intolerable.

Lilian clutched her cheek, eyes wide with shock. "You hit me?"