Chapter 70

After all, a woman capable of provoking Sebastian's anger was unlikely to require employment. He shot a cold glare at Lilian, who still hadn't grasped the situation, then lowered his voice to address Stephanie. "Last night, Lilian was out of line. I brought her here to apologize."

Stephanie lifted her eyes and glanced at Lilian. "Is that so?"

Jackson nodded. "Yes."

Witnessing this exchange, Lilian remained oblivious. Enraged, Jackson kicked her. The sudden blow sent Lilian sprawling onto the carpet. Looking up, her gaze met Stephanie's, and the full weight of her humiliation crashed down. She was before the woman she had always scorned.

"Why are you doing this, Jackson?" Lilian glared at him, her anger evident. He returned a cold, reproachful look, and the reason for their presence finally dawned on her. Her breathing quickened. She turned to Stephanie, who observed her with a mocking gaze. Seated in that executive chair, Stephanie seemed impossibly elevated. Lilian recalled her past mockery of Stephanie, and the contrast now made her feel utterly foolish. What was her role here? The boss? Could this place truly belong to Stephanie?

Struggling to her feet, Lilian didn't immediately apologize. Instead, she demanded, "What are you doing here? I'm telling you, Stephanie, don't you dare pretend…"

"Lilian," Jackson's sharp warning cut her off.

Lilian snapped back to reality, gritting her teeth. Reluctantly, she looked at Stephanie and said, "I'm sorry."

"Louder," Jackson growled.

Lilian trembled at his voice, glanced at Stephanie again, then lowered her head, gritting her teeth as she repeated, "I'm sorry."

Was that enough? They were here; she had apologized. Surely, that should suffice. Lilian thought so.

But the next moment, Jackson's voice grew even colder. "Is that all?"

Is that all? Lilian considered Jackson's earlier words. Clearly, a mere apology wasn't enough—she needed forgiveness. Looking into Stephanie's mocking eyes, Lilian felt a pang of hurt alongside her fury. Could Stephanie ever forgive her?

Whatever… Lilian shut her eyes. "Can you forgive me?"

Her words only fueled her own rage. If Stephanie possessed any sense, Lilian fumed silently, she'd realize the privilege of having her brother personally escort her here. She should have ended this farce already.

But then—Stephanie set down her water glass, ignoring Lilian completely as she arched a brow at Jackson. "Mr. Hodge, your sister's rebellious streak seems particularly… unyielding today. Are we certain this apology is sincere?"

"You–!" Lilian's rage burned.

Stephanie's gaze remained fixed on Jackson. "Well, Mr. Hodge?"

Jackson's expression darkened as he shot Lilian a withering glance. "You've got one last chance."

Silence fell. Lilian's heart plummeted. The humiliation emanating from Stephanie's composed demeanor felt like sandpaper against her pride.

Fine. 'If she wants to play this game, I'll make sure the Harts make her life hell. I'll tell Tyler everything—see if that family spares her a single cent!'

Her thoughts halted as her eyes swept over the lavish office and Stephanie's custom-tailored suit. A cold realization struck: This is why she'd ignored the Harts' warnings. She didn't need a single penny from them!