Chapter 64

Sebastian returned to his study. When Elliot entered, he found Sebastian smoking. Elliot approached, inquiring, "Mr. Giovanni, Mr. Ashford wishes to see you."

Sebastian looked up, slightly surprised. "Chris Ashford?"

Elliot nodded. "Yes. He's likely here about the mine. The Ashford family's engaged to the Hart family, but they became quite fastidious about the Hart girl two years ago. I suspect it's because the Harts' mine is nearly depleted."

Sebastian took another drag of his cigar, then sneered sarcastically. "Picky?"

Elliot, momentarily perplexed, nodded.

"Dare they be picky about my Stefi?"

Elliot understood immediately that the Ashford family had deeply offended Sebastian. Therefore, cooperation with Chris was impossible. Sebastian was clearly unhappy.

Elliot added, "I don't believe Miss Stephanie was aware. The engagement was arranged by their parents."

Sebastian remained silent.

Elliot continued, "Mr. Ashford's assistant has been contacting security, attempting to obtain your contact information. He wishes to purchase Whispering Bay."

Sebastian repeated, "Here?"

"Yes. The adopted Hart girl is ill, and Mr. Ashford is trying to acquire this manor for her. He's even attempted to rent it. He seemed quite nervous and urgent."

Sebastian gave a cold snort. "He canceled his engagement with Stefi and now he's buying this house for the adopted girl?"

Elliot could easily imagine Sebastian's fury. "The depleted ore must be important to them, or they wouldn't have exerted so much effort." They desperately wanted his cooperation, yet had grievously offended him.

Sebastian flicked his cigar ash. Elliot asked, "Will you see him?"

"Tell him I'm busy, and he'd best wait."

Elliot, initially unsure of Sebastian's meaning—he wasn't usually ambiguous—realized Sebastian was subtly manipulating Chris. "What's the matter?"

Sebastian gave him a cold look. Elliot quickly recovered. "Nothing. I'll tell him." It wasn't his concern; he wouldn't offend Sebastian for another's sake. The Hart family hadn't treated Stephanie well, and Chris had offended her. This was only the beginning.

Early the next morning, Stephanie received a call from Jennifer, informing her of a morning meeting. Stephanie glanced at the clock; it was nine o'clock—she was short on time. Before she could dress, the phone rang again.

"Your rent is due today, isn't it?"

It was Catlin. Stephanie assumed Jennifer's house was rented.

"What's the matter?" Stephanie asked, suspecting Catlin's intentions.

"Do you want to activate your card?"

"Why do you ask?" Stephanie felt a bad premonition.

"You want to activate it, don't you?"

"Don't beat around the bush," Stephanie interrupted. "If this concerns Dr. Pierce, give it up." Stephanie despised Olivia, but Olivia's hospitalization had preempted her carefully devised plan. Even without her intervention, Olivia would suffer greatly. Catlin was foolish to seek her help for Olivia; she'd been lenient enough already.

"Stephanie, I told you, Olivia didn't do it. She's innocent. Why can't you believe—"

"I know the truth. No matter what you say, I won't be fooled." Stephanie was resolute.

Catlin hadn't expected Stephanie's unwavering stance. She'd left Stephanie with little money, hoping for compromise. Catlin gritted her teeth angrily. "Don't you want to activate the card?"

Stephanie snorted. "I can do without your six thousand dollars. I don't care about it." The Hart family lavished Olivia with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewels, yet gave Stephanie a paltry six thousand dollars monthly—a meager allowance.

"I believe if Olivia demanded it, you wouldn't mind giving me only two thousand per month, would you, Mother?" Stephanie was certain the answer was yes. They readily obeyed Olivia's wishes.

Catlin asked, "Do you think the money isn't enough?"

"Do you? Mrs. Hart, six thousand dollars is nothing to you. You wouldn't buy such a cheap bag for your adopted daughter."

Catlin couldn't refute it; Stephanie was right. However, she had her reasons. Olivia represented the Hart family, so she never wore anything inexpensive.

"What's the point? You and she move in different circles. Spending that much on you would be wasteful."

Stephanie sneered; it was ridiculous. "So what if it's wasteful? I enjoy wasting money. Is that your reason?"

"If so, I'll revert it to the original sum—thirty thousand dollars per month," Catlin snapped, eager to end the argument. Before Stephanie could respond, she continued, "It's settled. There's a request."

"Another request." Stephanie was accustomed to them, and suspected it involved Olivia.

Catlin was blunt. "Don't speak to me like that. First, ask Dr. Pierce to treat Olivia. Second, do you know Dr. Vitale?"

"Dr. Vitale?" Stephanie was surprised to hear Marco's name.

"Stop pretending ignorance. You attended the Hodge family's party together."

Stephanie sneered. "I didn't expect you to know so clearly." She wasn't feigning ignorance; Catlin always assumed the worst. She'd decided to say nothing to Allison and would likewise remain silent about this to Marco.

Catlin pressed her. "Just ask them to see you at the hospital tomorrow, and I'll immediately add your quota to the bank account." She could be a good mother for Olivia.

Stephanie considered it. "You want to exchange thirty thousand dollars for Olivia's life? That's cheap."