Chapter 77

On Stephanie's side, Olivia's call arrived just as she neared Whispering Bay. Olivia's voice was noticeably weaker than before, yet her words carried a smug pride.

"You probably haven't heard," Olivia announced. "Chris is trying to buy Whispering Bay in Shallow Bay to help me recover."

Whispering Bay. Over the years, many prominent families had coveted the property in Shallow Bay, its beauty, air quality, and prime location highly valued amongst the elite.

Stephanie replied simply, "I already know."

Olivia pressed, "Oh? What has Chris bought for you in the past?"

Stephanie remained silent. She couldn't recall the jewelry and other gifts; possessing so many things from a young age, she'd never truly valued them. Yet, here was Olivia, flaunting her acquisition.

Stephanie chuckled mockingly. "Olivia, you're a dying person. Instead of focusing on your health, you're showing off?"

Olivia sputtered, "You…"

Stephanie continued, undeterred. "Chris wants to buy you Whispering Bay for your recovery? From what I know, the owner isn't selling."

Olivia stubbornly retorted, "He'll find a way." Chris had promised to take her from the hospital once he secured Whispering Bay, and she believed him.

Stephanie countered, "If I were you, I'd wait until he actually buys it. You're showing off now, but who knows if you'll even get there before you die?"

"You should buy a grave instead," Stephanie added. "Ashes have no use for ocean views."

Olivia's breath hitched. "You… you're cursing me!" The words "grave" and "ashes" shattered Olivia's fragile hope of survival and retaining everything she possessed. Stephanie's curse was intolerable; she couldn't bear the thought of dying, of losing everything she had worked for within the Hart family.

Stephanie retorted, "What's wrong with cursing you? You should be grateful for this terminal illness. Otherwise, how would you have this peace?" Without Olivia's illness, Stephanie would have already revealed the truth about the car accident. Now, Olivia was trapped. Recovery offered no escape; she'd still face legal repercussions. Death offered only ashes.

Suddenly, Catlin's furious voice cut through the line. "Stephanie, you're just too vicious."

Stephanie narrowed her eyes. "Yeah, I'm vicious. So what?"

Catlin's fury escalated. "Tell me, who threatened your father? Who did you call earlier, while in your office? Stephanie, do you understand self-respect? If you want money, do you think the Hart family is lacking?" Her words implied a willingness to provide for Stephanie unconditionally, a stark contrast to the present reality.

Stephanie responded flatly, "The Hart family's money has nothing to do with me."

"Stephanie!" Catlin's voice was sharp with frustration.