Chapter 6

Ella watched Stephanie’s phone screen flicker, the relentless calls taking their toll. In minutes, it had rung incessantly. "Why don't you just turn it off?" Ella suggested.

Stephanie glanced at the phone, frustrated. Blocking numbers was futile; every call came from an unknown number. She didn't need to answer to know Catlin was behind it, likely using one of the maids' phones. A sigh escaped her lips, betraying her irritation.

Ella's advice was accepted; Stephanie switched off the phone. But Catlin's machinations didn't end there.

Stephanie stayed with Ella, regaining composure. After a while, they prepared to leave. At the register, the waitress approached with a hesitant expression. "Sorry, Miss," she said, "your card was declined."

Stephanie's eyes flickered to the card, a relic from years ago—Catlin's insistence on giving it to her upon her return to the Hart family. Now, it was useless.

Ella, observing the exchange, quickly understood. "Anything wrong?"

Stephanie sighed. "Catlin froze my card."

Ella's lips twitched in disbelief. "Because of Olivia? What kind of mother does that to her own daughter?" Her disgust was palpable.

Stephanie offered a nonchalant smile, clearly accustomed to such treatment. "It's not the first time."

Ella gently pushed Stephanie's hand away from the card. "Let me."

Ignoring Stephanie's protest, she paid with her own card.

Back in the car, Ella fumed. "I'll transfer $50,000 to you. Don't let them push you around."

A wave of warmth washed over Stephanie. For once, someone was defending her. She tried to dismiss it. "It's okay, I have money."

Ella looked skeptical. "How? You don't have a job. The Hart family are animals! I'll give them a piece of my mind."

Stephanie, after some hesitation, confessed, "I do have money. It's a long story." She hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. Her financial independence wasn't straightforward. Despite living with Chris for years, she wasn't solely dependent on him or the Harts.

Ella waved her off, unimpressed. "Fine, I trust you, but take the $50,000 anyway."

Despite Ella's persistence, Stephanie refused. To finally prove her point, Stephanie took Ella shopping, purchasing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of items.

Ella's disbelief waned. Seeing the black card Stephanie used, her eyes widened. "Where did you get this? Who gave it to you? Chris?"

Stephanie stared at the card, memories flooding back. "Chris? No way," she said, swallowing hard. Chris had never been that generous.

Ella's mind raced. "Then who?" she asked, concerned her friend might be involved in something illegal.

A soft look crossed Stephanie's face as she considered the card's owner, but she remained silent, instead squeezing Ella's hand reassuringly. "Let's go."

After parting ways with Ella, Stephanie returned to Cloudridge Valley, only to encounter Chris, blocking her entrance. He'd been waiting two hours. "Why did you turn off your phone?" he demanded.

Stephanie retorted curtly, "It was annoying."

A month ago, Chris hadn't cared about her well-being. Now, he bombarded her with calls—because of Olivia.

Before she could unlock the door, Chris grabbed her wrist. "Stephanie!"

She glared. "Your 'true love' is in the hospital alone. How pathetic."

His anger intensified. He tightened his grip. "We need to talk," he growled.

"No need," she replied, yanking her wrist free and attempting to slam the door.

Chris intercepted her, but Stephanie kicked him in the groin. He stumbled back, yelling, "You vicious woman!"

He tried to enter, but Stephanie held her ground. "Leave."

Chris, panting, hissed, "You'll regret this."

For the first time, Stephanie showed her violent side, a stark contrast to the docile woman Chris knew.