Chapter 66

Reaching the door, Stephanie received a call from Jennifer, reminding her to bring an important file. It was still in her room.

"Sebastian," she said, "I forgot a file. You can go ahead, or wait for me. I'll be right back."

Releasing Sebastian's arm, she ran upstairs. His smile was affectionate.

"She used to be so forgetful," he murmured. "Why hasn't she changed?"

Elliot glanced in the direction Stephanie disappeared. "After all, she's a boss now. Being a boss isn't easy."

Sebastian smiled more gently. "My little girl has grown up."

Elliot nodded. They entered the car. Sebastian checked his watch. "Elliot, ask the butler to arrange another car for Stephanie."

Elliot started the car and called the butler before they left. Outside the manor, they saw Chris leaning against his Bentley, speaking with security.

"Mr. Giovanni," Elliot reported, "it's Mr. Ashford."

Sebastian looked. Chris stood sullenly by his car, smoking.

"It's surprising he's come in person for the adopted girl," Elliot commented. Chris had offered a high price and arrived in person; Olivia seemed very important to him.

Sebastian's face hardened. "Tell the butler to ignore him." If acquiring the manor for the adopted girl was so important to Chris, Sebastian would relish his failure. The more he wanted it, the more frustrated he would become.

Elliot nodded. He called the butler, relaying Sebastian's instructions. The butler confirmed he'd never responded to their previous requests; Sebastian's attitude was clear. The butler wouldn't waste time on them. He'd never agreed to see Kevin.

Elliot hung up. "Should we inform Miss Stephanie?" he asked Sebastian.

"No," Sebastian replied gently. "She's smart. She can handle it." His tone was tender when he mentioned Stephanie. Before finding her, he'd worried she might be bullied, but she'd proven capable of protecting herself. He needn't worry; she was clever. The Hart family had been outmaneuvered, and Chris had gotten what he deserved.

Elliot nodded. Chris noticed the Phantom speeding away. Kevin approached, having had no success. "Does anyone live there?" he asked.

"No," Kevin asserted. As far as he knew, the house was unoccupied. He tried again, but security refused to divulge any owner information.

Soon, another car passed slowly. Chris ordered, "Stop the car."

Kevin was astonished. "What?"

"Those people must live there."

Kevin had no choice but to stand in the road, waving his arms. The driver, startled and annoyed, reported, "Miss Stephanie, someone's stopped our car."

Stephanie, reviewing materials in the back seat, looked up to see Kevin in the road, a Bentley parked nearby—Chris's. She ordered decisively, "Speed up." Stopping someone's car like that was offensive and ridiculous. The driver accelerated. Kevin considered dodging. Security rushed over, shouting, "What are you doing? Get lost!"

They moved to push Kevin away, but Chris kicked the security guard from behind. To avoid injuring the guard, Stephanie had the driver stop. If only Kevin were there, he would have been frightened and left, but now there were three people struggling. Stephanie couldn't overpower them all.

The car stopped. Stephanie lowered the window as Chris approached. Seeing her, his eyes widened in surprise.

"How is it you?" he exclaimed.

Stephanie sneered. "Why? Surprised?"

"What are you doing here?" he gritted out.

"What's it to you?" she countered.

Chris clenched his fists, assuming she'd slept with a wealthy man. His tone was icy. "You'd better have some self-respect. Aren't you ashamed?"

If people knew Stephanie had appeared in Shallow Bay so soon after canceling the engagement, it would further embarrass both the Hart and Ashford families. But she showed no remorse.

Before Stephanie could respond, Chris lunged, trying to pull her from the car. "Have you no shame? You've shamed me and your family! They canceled your card. Is that why you've fallen so low? You know why they canceled your card!"

He expected her to apologize and beg her family for money. It was her fault she'd been reduced to this. His wounded pride enraged him. He wanted the Hart family to teach her a lesson.

Stephanie kicked him hard in the abdomen. He groaned and released her wrist.

"Mr. Ashford!" Kevin rushed over.

Chris stared at Stephanie, his pain evident. "Oh my God, you bitch…"

Stephanie smoothed her dress and ordered the driver, "Go."

"Stephanie!" Chris roared. He reached for the car door, but before his hand touched the handle, the car sped away. Had he not dodged, his feet would have been crushed.

"Damn it!" he swore.