Chapter 71

Yes, she doesn't need it at all. Otherwise, why would she dare to be so arrogant and completely ignore the Hart family's warning?

"Liliant," Jackson's growled warning snapped her back to reality. Her eyes met Stephanie's, the humiliation so thick it choked her. Lilian stood paralyzed, unsure if she'd even receive Stephanie's forgiveness.

Stephanie struck first: "Mr. Hodge, why force your sister through this charade? Dragging out an insincere apology just to want forgiveness from me… Tell me, should I grant it?" She paused, theatrically torn. Refusing would seem petty, her pause implied. But granting it? Does this look like remorse? With one question, she dumped the entire burden onto Jackson.

Jackson's chest heaved. He glared at Lilian. "Get out." He wasn't fooled. Stephanie would never forgive Lilian—not after years of her colluding with Olivia to torment Stephanie. Last night's incident was a mere drop in the ocean. Jackson had ignored far worse in the past. Now, with Sebastian's intervention, forgiveness hinged solely on Stephanie's whims. She held that privilege. Yet Lilian, oblivious as ever, had still… Jackson shot her a venomous look. Relieved, Lilian bolted from the office.

Only Stephanie Giovanni and Jackson Hodge remained. Alone with Stephanie, Jackson pulled out a cigarette, then shoved it back, finding no ashtray. "Miss Giovanni," he demanded bluntly, "what's your relationship with Mr. Giovanni?"

"What do you think?" She volleyed the question back. Their gazes locked. Stephanie's eyes were full of smiles. Jackson was a little flustered by her smile.

"Your feud with Lilian shouldn't poison my business with him," he said, palms upturned.

"It hasn't. Nor will it sway his decisions."

"Is that so?"

"I told him that he didn't need to be so angry because of me. As for Lilian, you should really discipline her." The message was clear: Stop parading her here! Forgiveness? Irrelevant. Seeing Lilian's face alone grated on her nerves. As for Jackson's partnership with Sebastian, Stephanie prioritized Sebastian's interests. If he deemed Jackson valuable, their collaboration would proceed, untouched by her personal grievances. She'd said her piece. Whether Jackson secured the deal depended solely on Sebastian's calculus. And she trusted this: no personal grudge could outweigh huge profit in Sebastian's eyes.

Jackson understood now—Stephanie and Sebastian's bond ran deeper than mere business. As for Lilian… Jackson nodded. "I'll discipline her. I appreciate your patience." He rose, preparing to leave. As he turned, Stephanie opened her mouth as if to add something, then thought better of it. If I expose Tyler's secret love child now, Lilian would just accuse me of stirring drama. Let life teach her instead of me. And one hard lesson's enough!

"Something else, Miss Giovanni?" Jackson caught her hesitation.

"Just thinking… if Lilian's serious about Tyler, marriage talks should begin." That was the Hodge family way. If marriage was truly involved, they would definitely investigate the other party thoroughly. The moment Jackson heard "marriage," his face darkened. He despised the Harts. He'd always opposed Lilian's entanglement with Tyler. Why would Stephanie bring this up now?

"She's too young for marriage," Jackson said, unable to fathom it. Given Stephanie's feud with the Harts, why suggest a Hart-Hodge marriage? But marriage? Out of the question. The Harts' last foothold was eroding. Why had the Ashford family taken such a hard line against Olesia recently? Back when they controlled the mine, Jackson's side had dismissed them. Let alone now.

"So, Mr. Hodge, are you letting your sister run wild? Be careful; that's a double-edged sword." Her words carried layered meaning. Jackson frowned, gave a curt nod, and left.

The moment he departed, Sebastian called. "I'll take you to lunch. Be good."

"Okay. Jackson came to see me," Stephanie disclosed without reserve.

Sebastian: "Why?"

"He wants me to stay out of your collaboration. Sebastian, if he's a lucrative partner, don't let my issues interfere. Business is business."

"I know my priorities."

"That's good." With Sebastian's words, she was relieved. Even if he didn't end up working with Jackson, it would be because Sebastian had superior alternatives.

Hanging up, Stephanie lifted her water glass. As she set it down, a shrewd glint flashed in her eyes. The self-righteousness of the Hart family will soon crumble.

On his end of the call, Sebastian's eyes frosted over after hanging up. "Call Mr. Hodge. His rule-breaking approach… unacceptable."

Elliot, who was driving, nodded. "Yes, sir." He'd overheard the speakerphone—Jackson had actually sought out Stephanie. Everyone in Fiorenza knew: after the Casalini family incident, Sebastian loathed those who blurred professional and personal lines. He especially despised partners who targeted family members to bypass negotiations. Jackson, facing collaboration hurdles with Sebastian, had crossed a red line by approaching Stephanie.

"What's on the agenda for tonight?"

"A business dinner. Will you bring Miss Giovanni?"

Sebastian: "No." He never took Stephanie to such events. Elliot instantly regretted asking. He'd witnessed firsthand how fiercely Sebastian shielded Stephanie over the years—sheltering her in a greenhouse, untouched by his world's storms.

Sebastian lit a cigarette. "How's the Sicily Sunrise piece progressing?"

"Nearly finished. She'll love this belated birthday gift." At the mention of her birthday, Sebastian's gaze turned cold. This year, Stephanie had celebrated it alone. A cold smirk curled his lips. "The Hart family… hm."