Chapter 83

At the Ashford residence, Grace frowned at the cast on Chris’s arm. “What happened this time? And that bruise on your face?” The bruise, after two nights of fighting with Sebastian, had worsened considerably. The cast made it clear the fight hadn't ended in his favor.

“It’s nothing,” Chris replied flatly. “Why are you here so late?”

“Your father wants to see you. He’s waiting in the study,” Grace said.

Chris nodded slightly and headed upstairs. Grace watched him go, her gaze lingering on his cast, her expression unreadable. Turning to the butler, she said, “I need to see Kevin.”

“Understood,” the butler replied, departing.

Upstairs, the heavy scent of smoke filled the study. Though retired for a year, Fred still commanded authority. Chris had run the Ashford Group with minimal interference, but now Fred’s sharp gaze fixed on him. “The Lucano heir from Fiorenza has arrived in Long Harbor. You know this, right?”

“Yes,” Chris replied.

“Have you met him?” Fred asked.

“Not yet,” Chris admitted. Kevin had been trying to arrange a meeting with Lucano’s assistant, but without success.

Fred’s expression darkened. “Jackson met him.”

Chris’s brows furrowed. “What?”

“At his grandfather’s birthday banquet,” Fred said, his displeasure evident. “Is Olivia holding you back?” Stephanie’s public announcement of their engagement cancellation meant Olivia’s return was no longer a secret.

Chris’s face tensed momentarily before he said, “This has nothing to do with Olivia. I’m handling things with Mr. Lucano.”

Fred scoffed. “He’s been in town for three days, and you haven’t met him. Do you have any idea how many people covet his assets?”

“I know,” Chris said steadily.

Fred leaned back, exhaling smoke, his gaze sharpening. “If you truly like Olivia, let her be a distraction. But if she starts affecting your business… ” He left the sentence unfinished, but the warning was clear. Two years ago, Stephanie had caused a similar situation, resulting in a deadly family threat against Olivia.

Chris clenched his jaw. “Understood.” His tone was neither respectful nor rebellious.

Fred waved a hand dismissively. “Go.”

Each word carried weight Chris couldn't ignore. Descending the stairs, he found Grace standing coldly beside Kevin, who looked mortified.

Grace lifted her head, her eyes hardening as she met Chris’s gaze. “You’ve let me down. Olivia is slowing you down, and Stephanie’s actions caused you to lose control and fight.”

Chris’s gaze instantly turned icy as he looked at Kevin, who, already feeling guilty, didn't dare to meet his eyes. Chris opened his mouth as if to speak, but then remained silent. “Let’s go,” he finally said to Kevin.

Kevin nodded quickly and followed. As they reached the front door, Grace called out, “Don’t let Olivia wander around.”

Rumors swirled throughout Long Harbor that Chris planned to buy property in the Shallow Bay Area for Olivia's recovery. It was one of the city's most prestigious locations, a place Grace had once hoped to retire to, but her interest had been dismissed.