Chapter 75

Stephanie shoved her belongings into her designer bag after ending her call with Setarian. Jennifer entered just as the leather grazed a sharp edge.

“Boss, let me pack for you,” Jennifer offered, rescuing the bag and meticulously arranging its contents. “This kind of bag is very delicate and expensive. It will be damaged if scratched.”

“Why are you being so careful?” Stephanie asked.

“The material is very fragile,” Jennifer explained. “Next time, perhaps a canvas bag would be more practical? At least you wouldn't worry about rough handling.” Stephanie showed little concern, but Jennifer’s heart ached witnessing the mistreatment.

“Buy me one then. I’ll pay you,” Stephanie said, noting the bag’s limited capacity.

Jennifer remained silent, clearly surprised by Stephanie’s seriousness. “By the way,” Jennifer continued, “a Mrs. Hart is demanding to see you. She seems… combative.”

Stephanie’s brow furrowed. Mrs. Hart… Catlin? Here? Her face darkened. “Is there only one exit?”

“The front and back doors are intervisible,” Jennifer replied. The front door offered a clear view of the back; escaping through the back would be impossible with Catlin waiting at the front.

Stephanie’s jaw clenched. “Let her in,” she said irritably.

Jennifer nodded. “Okay.”

Alone, Stephanie steeled herself for the inevitable confrontation. Soon, Catlin arrived, her demeanor confirming Jennifer’s assessment.

Chapter 73

“Boss,” Jennifer murmured deferentially, dipping her head. Stephanie waved her dismissal. Jennifer nodded, exiting and closing the door behind her. Simultaneously, Catlin slammed her purse onto the desk, her posture aggressive.

“How did you land those deals? Stephanie, the Harts have status! You’d whore yourself to share them!”

Stephanie’s face darkened. “Slander me without proof? Who told you this?”

“Proof? A girl earning millions in a year—don’t claim you charmed clients with sweet talk!” Catlin retorted, her anger escalating.

Stephanie’s eyes glinted. “Who told you that?” she demanded.

“Answer me!” Catlin roared. Even without confirmation, Stephanie knew it was Olivia Hart, adept at manipulating with seemingly innocent words.

Facing Catlin’s aggressive questioning, Stephanie countered, “Why should I explain? What are you to me?”

“I’m your—” Catlin began.

“Mother?” Stephanie interrupted. “Did I ever call you that? After three months total with the Harts? Two months in the hospital. The remaining month, I saw their true intentions and withdrew. Yet they continue harassing me, masquerading as family to exert control.” The question hung in the air, sharp and pointed.

“By what right do you interrogate me?” Stephanie pressed.

“Even if you don’t acknowledge it, I am still your mother!” Catlin shrieked.

Stephanie immediately called Ella.

Chapter 75

“Stefi?”

Glancing at Catlin, Stephanie said into the phone, “Help me post a statement immediately declaring I am not the Hart family’s daughter. The content should state the Hart family made a mistake. I’ll send you the relevant paternity test shortly; post it together.”

“Are you crazy?!” Catlin exclaimed, snatching the phone and hanging up.

“Cutting ties? Are you insane?!” Catlin yelled hysterically.

Stephanie retrieved her phone. “Logical, given your charade.”

“You ungrateful wretch!” Catlin spat.

“Grateful? For what?” Stephanie laughed coldly. “Even if I were grateful, it wouldn’t be to you. Who do you think you are?”

Catlin stammered, speechless. Each word from Stephanie felt like a cutting blade. Catlin swayed, clutching her chest, her gaze venomous.

“I nearly died giving birth to you! This is how you repay me?!”

“Guilt-tripping? Really?” Stephanie retorted. “First threats, now guilt? When you dragged me back to the Harts, Olivia ‘repaid’ that debt—I was the one bleeding out in that car crash! Almost died!” She recounted the near-fatal accident, the coma, and the extensive surgeries that saved her life. “My life was clawed back by surgeons. You spent a month postpartum? I endured two. Double the debt!”

“You can’t quantify this! I gave you life—you can’t erase that!” Catlin insisted.

Stephanie shrugged. “Fine. Keep me. Can Olivia Hart sever ties with you?”

“Never!” Catlin roared, Olivia’s name igniting her fury. Catlin had vowed to Olivia years ago, when Stephanie was retrieved, that she would always be her daughter. “The car crash wasn’t her fault. Stop vilifying her!” Even now, Catlin defended Olivia unconditionally.

Stephanie was disheartened. “Refuse to cut ties with either of us? How greedy. If you dare send that statement, I will refute it, claiming you’re lying. To avoid embarrassment, you’d better not.”

“At this point, you still want to threaten me?” Stephanie asked, laughing incredulously. These people hadn’t learned their lesson.

“Keeping the daughter of the nanny who switched children is enough,” she continued. “You’re still threatening your long-lost biological daughter because of the nanny’s daughter? Mrs. Hart, what is wrong with you?” Stephanie’s disbelief was evident. Anyone would resent the nanny, but the Harts' actions were beyond comprehension.