Chapter 84

Rumors swirled that Chris was buying a gift for a sick woman—Olivia, according to Grace's source. Grace wondered, "What is this supposed to be? Does she want the whole world to know about their relationship? Is this some ploy to avoid ridicule if Chris doesn't comply?"

"She's sick," Chris retorted, his irritation evident. "What exactly do you think she's wandering around doing?" He hated anyone targeting Olivia, especially family.

Grace detected his protectiveness and her expression darkened. "Right. So sick, yet she still finds the energy to show off."

"Mom, enough," Chris said sharply, turning to face her.

Grace's eyes flashed. "Olivia isn't as simple as you think. Don't be naive."

"Did Stephanie plant this idea in your head?" Chris asked coldly.

"Do I need Stephanie to tell me what kind of person she is?" Grace countered. "Are you saying I can't see things clearly?"

Chris was momentarily stunned.

Grace continued, "You've spent too much time with Olivia. Now, your first instinct is to blame others when things go wrong."

"Enough. She..." Chris, furious, could barely speak. He stormed out. Grace narrowed her eyes, watching him go. "Stephanie really has a lover?"

"Yes," the butler confirmed. "I investigated. Mr. Ashford sustained a bruise at Cloudridge Valley and a wrist injury during a business meeting—an elevator attack."

Grace's expression darkened further. "He doesn't even like Stephanie. Why is he fighting her man?" She mused, "Has Chris lost his mind? And Stephanie...a lover?"

Fuming, Grace called Catlin. She unleashed her anger immediately. "You are absolutely useless. Stephanie is your biological daughter, and you failed to raise her properly. You failed your adopted daughter, too."

"Mrs. Ashford, you've gone too far," Catlin retorted, her temper ignited. Catlin thought, "What does she mean? That I failed both my daughters? That if these families fall apart, it's all my fault?"

"Too far? Am I wrong?" Grace snapped. "Chris and Olivia cut ties two years ago. Why are you still involving him in Olivia's mess?"

Catlin felt a pang of guilt. Olivia had asked her to contact Chris. "Mrs. Ashford, you watched Olivia grow up. She's seriously ill. Her condition is severe."

"I know. Uterine cancer, right?" Grace said disdainfully. "But have you considered how she got it? What kind of life was she living abroad?"

"What are you implying?" Catlin's anger flared.

Grace scoffed. "It's a rather suspicious illness. And you expect me to feel sorry for her? Are you out of your mind?" Grace made no attempt to hide her disdain. She'd never liked Olivia and knew Catlin's motives. She said bluntly, "I investigated. Olivia isn't just clinging to Chris; she's using you to contact him constantly. Mrs. Hart, you're Stephanie's mother, yet you defend an adopted daughter? That's eye-opening." Most mothers prioritize their biological children. Catlin's protectiveness was understandable, but fighting her own daughter for an adopted child was absurd.

Grace concluded coldly, "The Hart family is a mess. Don't drag the Ashfords into your disaster. Otherwise, I'll make your situation even more difficult."