Chapter 67

Stephanie left. But Chris, consumed by fury, glared at Kevin. “You saw it. It was her, wasn’t it?”

Kevin nodded. “Yes, I saw Miss Giovanni yesterday, too.”

“She was here yesterday?” Chris felt faint. The thought of her sleeping with other men, likely wealthy ones, seemed to explain her indifference to his and the Hart family's offer. She must have several rich boyfriends.

Kevin nodded silently.

Chris exploded. “Find out who the man in Cloudridge Valley is, and identify the owner of this property!” He loathed all these men. His anger intensified with each passing thought.

Kevin found determining Whispering Bay's owner difficult. However, recalling Macro's presence at the party with Stephanie, he ventured a guess. “Could it be Dr. Vitale?”

“A mere doctor?” Chris considered the possibility, though it seemed improbable. Macro, despite his fame, wealth, and Florentine clientele, likely couldn't afford a Shallow Bay manor.

Meanwhile, Sebastian watched the surveillance footage of Stephanie confronting Chris, a widening smile on his face. Elliot asked, “Did Miss Stephanie suffer any loss?”

“No. She is strong.” Chris groaned, clutching his stomach. It was amusing. Sebastian was certain Stephanie never loved Chris; if she had, she wouldn't have hit him so hard.

Elliot nodded. “Miss Stephanie has grown up. She knows how to protect herself.” It was fortunate, yet Sebastian felt a pang of sadness. She must have endured hardship. He preferred her carefree innocence.

His phone rang. “Hello?”

“Mr. Giovanni, it’s me, Jackson.” Jackson’s voice was ingratiating. “Please don’t hang up.”

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “What is the matter?”

“Could I know what Miss Stephanie Giovanni is to you?” Jackson, having learned about the party, believed he understood the situation, though nothing extraordinary occurred beyond Lilian's quarrel with Stephanie. He couldn't grasp the significance.

Sebastian asked, “What do you think?”

Jackson suggested, “I think Lilian should apologize to Miss Giovanni. It’s her fault. I’ll ensure Miss Giovanni sees her sincerity.”

Sebastian hung up. Elliot, having overheard, guessed Jackson's reason for calling. “Miss Hodge should have learned to behave herself.”

Sebastian snorted. “That is not enough.” Lilian had publicly humiliated Stephanie, and even though Stephanie fought back, Sebastian still resented it. “What do you think Mr. Hodge will do to appease Miss Stephanie?”

Sebastian lit a cigar. “Appease her? That’s not easy.” He knew her well. Considering Lilian's two-year history of offending Stephanie, forgiveness wouldn't come easily.

Jackson’s face turned livid after Sebastian hung up. “Do you have the least idea what happened? You still have the mood for breakfast!” he screamed.

Chapter 67

Lilian had been discreet since last night, remaining silent at her dinner table. However, she was still implicated.

Jackson overturned her dining table. The sudden movement caught Lilian off guard; her cereal bowl tipped, spilling its contents onto her dress. She screamed.

“What are you doing? You don’t have to vent your anger on me! I know our cooperation is ruined, but it’s none of my business.” Their parents were absent, removing any restraint.

Jackson grew angrier at her mention of the cooperation. “You, go and apologize to Stephanie Giovanni, right now!”

Lilian was taken aback. “What? I apologize to whom?” She couldn't believe her ears. Stephanie was neglected by her family and considered useless; Lilian saw no reason to curry her favor. “Are you mad?” she cried.

“If you fail to secure her forgiveness, I’ll truly be mad, and you know the consequences.”

Lilian shuddered, realizing Jackson was serious. He insisted on her apologizing to Stephanie.

“I refuse,” she retorted stubbornly.

Jackson flew into a rage. “Alright! Get lost then! Pack your things and get out of this house!”

Lilian was stunned. He was expelling her for Stephanie's sake. She couldn't believe it.

Jackson was harsh. “Do you know how many people are eager to cooperate with Mr. Giovanni? The Ashford family is keen!” If Stephanie had a problem with Lilian, he would lose the opportunity.

Lilian was flustered. “Is it that serious? What is his relationship with Stephanie?” The gravity of the situation unsettled her.

Jackson shook his head. “I have no idea. But you must apologize to Stephanie and be forgiven by her. Otherwise, you’re in for it.”

Lilian doubted it was possible. Apologizing was challenging enough; she wouldn't be foolish enough to expect easy forgiveness. They quarreled every time they met.

Stephanie arrived at her studio. Entering the meeting room, she received a call. “Hello?”

“It’s me. Where are you?” A familiar voice, low and controlled, came through the line.

Stephanie rolled her eyes. “What do you want?”

“I want to see you.”

“For what?” Lilian never approached her with good intentions. Stephanie braced herself for something irritating, but Lilian's reply was surprising. “Apologize.”

“What?” Stephanie thought she misheard. “Apologize to you? Dream on! What the hell do you think you are?” She knew Lilian must be seeking an apology, but she wouldn't give one.