Chapter 68

Lilian was about to explode, but Jackson watched her. She struggled to restrain herself.

“It’s me,” she said, taking a deep breath. “I’m apologizing.”

“You? Apologizing to me?” Stephanie doubted the sincerity of this sudden apology. Every encounter with Lilian felt like an impending attack. Lilian consistently flattered Olivia to curry favor with Tyler, mirroring his preferences and dislikes. In short, Lilian was foolish and lacking in judgment.

“Yes, you heard right. I’m apologizing. Where are you?”

Stephanie was finally certain of what she was hearing. “Apologize for what?”

“For a lot of things. Anyway, I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”

Stephanie had never encountered anyone so brazen. “Why should I forgive you for ‘a lot of things’? Are you serious? I don’t think you mean it.” Lilian sounded more like she was seeking a fight. Stephanie wouldn't have minded giving her one, but she lacked the time.

Lilian stamped her foot angrily. “I’m sincere! I’ll apologize. Tell me where you are.”

Stephanie rolled her eyes. “I don’t believe you. You can’t fool me.” She hung up.

Lilian looked at Jackson pleadingly. “It’s not my fault.”

“You must ask her for forgiveness. Try everything.”

“Why?” Lilian yelled. “It’s not my fault! She doesn’t want my apology. You can see that!” She was reluctant to sacrifice so much for this cooperation.

Jackson was unsympathetic. “Whether she wants it or not, you have to.” Mr. Giovanni wouldn’t cooperate unless Stephanie forgave Lilian. Jackson was nervous; he didn’t want this trouble either.

When Lilian tried calling Stephanie again, she found herself blocked.

“She blocked me.”

“Then use my phone.” Jackson handed over his phone.

Lilian hesitated, but dared not disobey. She dialed again. Without preamble, she said, “I’m serious. I’m apologizing.” Before she could continue, the call was disconnected. Another attempt resulted in another block.

Jackson was anxious. “Can’t she even hear you out?” He hated being blocked; Chris and the Hart family had all suffered the same fate.

Jackson complained, “How can she be so capricious?”

Lilian muttered, “Her rural upbringing clearly hasn’t taught her manners. She’s an annoying country bumpkin.”

“Shut up!” Jackson demanded angrily.

He summoned his assistant, Rebecca. “Find out Stephanie’s location as quickly as possible.”

Rebecca nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“I need it in half an hour.” Rebecca left.

Jackson was anxious. Many wanted to cooperate with Sebastian since his arrival in Long Harbor; time was of the essence.

Lilian was puzzled. “Why do you need to know where she is?”

“Are you stupid, sister? We have to solve the problem you caused.” Jackson couldn't bear Lilian's voice; it made him impatient and furious.

Lilian was surprised. “You don’t want me to apologize in person, do you?” But Jackson clearly did; otherwise, there was no need to find Stephanie. Lilian’s luck was terrible. Stephanie clearly didn't want to speak to her by phone, and an in-person apology seemed unlikely to improve things.

Rebecca, who had worked for Jackson for five years, located Stephanie in just minutes.

“Mr. Hodge, Miss Giovanni is on the 26th floor of Building No. 1, Eastview Tower.”

“What’s she doing there?” Jackson frowned. Eastview Tower housed mostly small companies and studios.

Lilian rolled her eyes. “What else? Working. The Hart family isn’t giving her a penny; she has to support herself.”

“I didn’t expect she’d be working for such meager wages.” Lilian never missed an opportunity to disparage Stephanie. The forced apology felt utterly against her will.

Jackson frowned. It didn't seem plausible; a woman wouldn't need to worry about money if Sebastian truly cared for her.

“Let’s go.” Jackson headed for the door.

Lilian exclaimed, “You can’t be serious!”

“Apologize, or get out of here.” Lilian had no choice; she dared not rebel.

At the hospital, Catlin was furious.

“Tell all the companies to reject her applications. Sooner or later, she’ll beg for mercy.” She had tried being nice to Stephanie, but to no avail. Catlin decided to force her hand.

Tyler nodded. “I’ve already given the order.”

“Mom, you don’t have to do this for me. She’ll only hate me more.” Olivia tugged at Catlin’s clothes.

Despite her words, Olivia felt smug and self-satisfied. Without money or a job, she believed Stephanie would soon compromise, forcing her to seek help from Dr. Vitale and Dr. Pierce.

Catlin sighed. “Olivia, don’t speak for her. Who cares if she hates us? She’s ungrateful. I’ve been so kind, and this is how I’m repaid!”

“But…” Olivia hesitated.

Tyler interjected. “Olivia, Mom’s right. Don’t be so kind. If we don’t force her, she won’t ask Dr. Vitale and Dr. Pierce to treat you.” Both he and Catlin were merciless towards Stephanie.