Chapter 60

Sebastian had no intention of letting it go, but Stephanie’s stomach suddenly rumbled. Sebastian's face darkened.

“Didn’t you have lunch?”

Stephanie muttered, “I ate little.”

Sebastian said nothing, sweeping a cold glance at Macro. Macro shuddered and immediately defended himself.

“I asked if you were full, and you said you were!” He had taken Stephanie to lunch as Sebastian requested. He shouldn’t be blamed!

Stephanie interjected, “It’s none of Macro’s business. Someone had a problem with me as soon as we started eating.”

Macro cheerfully yelled, “Yeah, it’s none of my business!”

Sebastian cherished Stephanie so deeply that he was inclined to blame anyone in her vicinity for her distress. Macro thought it unnecessary to still treat her like a child.

Suddenly, Sebastian’s phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. He answered, “Hello?”

“Mr. Giovanni, it’s Jackson. Can I know what happened? You left so suddenly. I…”

Before Jackson could finish, Sebastian hung up.

“Elliot.”

“Yes, Mr. Giovanni. What’s the matter?”

“Call Jackson later. Tell him…” Sebastian paused, looking at Stephanie.

Stephanie shook her head. “I’m not hurt.”

But this didn't reassure him. Sebastian continued, “Tell him pestering will do him no good. He’d better take care of his sister first.”

Stephanie wondered if he was asking Jackson to punish Lilian. She’d had a conflict with Lilian at the party that evening. If Jackson knew Lilian had sabotaged his business deal, he would certainly make her pay.

Elliot nodded. “I see.”

“Don’t,” Stephanie interrupted. “If you should cooperate with Jackson, then continue. Anyway, I wasn’t bullied.” She always prioritized Sebastian's interests.

Elliot glanced at her in the rearview mirror, thinking Lilian shouldn't have confronted Sebastian's beloved. In Fiorenza, the women who had jeered at Stephanie had all received their comeuppance. People here were unaware of his favoritism toward Stephanie, but Elliot knew it well. Sebastian had picked Stephanie up as a baby and never allowed anyone to upset her.

Sebastian and Stephanie returned to Shallow Bay Area. Dinner was ready. Once seated, Stephanie began eating voraciously. Sebastian served her dish by dish. “Don’t rush. Take it slowly.”

Macro commented, “Look how happily she eats! Separation clearly suits her.”

Sebastian glared at him.

Macro didn’t flinch. “I’m telling the truth.” In Fiorenza, Stephanie had been a very picky eater. But things were different here; she was even eating vegetables—a positive change.

“Shut up,” Sebastian snapped.

“Alright,” Macro said, putting a piece of roasted pork in his mouth. Stephanie chuckled.

Catlin learned that Macro had been at the party, but she didn’t know he’d been with Stephanie. She immediately called Chris. Chris, under close family surveillance, managed to reach the hospital.

“Chris, I don’t want to trouble you,” Catlin said, “but we must contact the doctor promptly, or he may leave Long Harbor. Olivia is very unwell, and we need a good doctor.” She wasn’t lying; Olivia had serious health problems requiring strict treatment. A less skilled doctor would cause her great suffering.

Chris nodded. “What’s the doctor’s number?”

“Macro Vitale, a renowned cardiovascular specialist in Fiorenza. Have you heard of him? He hasn’t received any patients in two years. It’s almost impossible to get him to operate on Olivia.” Catlin was worried. Since learning of Olivia’s illness, she had searched the world for top doctors. Macro had never failed an operation, so she’d focused on him. Chris was concerned; Macro was indeed a top specialist.

“But he doesn’t treat patients anymore. It’ll be hard to persuade him to operate on Olivia. Moreover, he seems to be Stephanie’s friend. Persuading him would be as difficult as persuading Allison.” Chris couldn’t help resenting Macro for taking Stephanie away.

Catlin urged, “You have to try. Please, please try your best. Olivia needs Dr. Vitale.” Catlin was anxious; all she wanted was to cure Olivia.

Chris nodded. “How do you know he’s in Long Harbor?”

“Someone told me. And he was reportedly at Mr. Benjamin Hodge’s party. It’s confirmed.”

Chris pressed, “Do you know he came with Stephanie?”

“What?” Catlin looked bewildered. “With whom?”

“With Stephanie,” Chris repeated.

“What does Stephanie have to do with Dr. Vitale?” Catlin’s face paled. Considering recent events, Stephanie’s connection was obvious. Persuading Macro would be far harder if he was her friend. Stephanie was connected to both doctors!

“Both doctors are crucial to Olivia, you know.” Catlin was heartbroken. She wished both Dr. Vitale and Dr. Pierce could help her poor Olivia. With their combined expertise, Olivia would have a chance. Now that they both knew Stephanie, it would be difficult.

“We must try. No matter the cost, we won’t give up,” Catlin said, taking Chris’s hand.