Chapter 85

Grace's statement was crystal clear: if Catlin dared to trouble Chris on Olivia's behalf again, she wouldn't hesitate. Grace ended the call abruptly. Catlin, still clutching the phone, seethed. Tyler stood beside her, just outside Olivia's hospital room.

"Did you hear that? The Ashford family is getting too arrogant! Do they think our family is finished?" Tyler fumed, a frown etching his face as he recalled their father's discussion about the mining project a month prior.

Catlin took a deep breath, striving for calm. "Don't let Olivia know about this."

Tyler nodded. "Got it." They couldn't risk upsetting Olivia; her health was precarious, and Chris was her only anchor.

Catlin closed her eyes briefly. "We need to get Dr. Pierce and Dr. Vitale here for Olivia's surgery." The doctors had finalized Olivia's dire treatment plan earlier that day, leaving Catlin's heart racing. One surgeon was simply insufficient.

"I'll try Stephanie again," Tyler offered.

"Father just checked; she wasn't at Cloudridge Valley. I suspect she's moved," Catlin replied.

"She hasn't? Where is she?" Tyler asked.

Catlin rubbed her temples, her headache intensifying. Knowing Stephanie's habits, she wasn't the type to be out partying late. Catlin strongly suspected Stephanie no longer resided at Cloudridge Valley.

"I don't know. Investigate discreetly," Catlin instructed.

Olivia's weak voice drifted from the room. "Mom?" Catlin immediately silenced Tyler with a gesture. He nodded in understanding.

Stephanie had started her own business; someone must be backing her. They needed to identify that person quickly.

Catlin entered the hospital room. Olivia was drenched in sweat, her face pale. Catlin's heart ached. "Sweetheart, are you in pain?" she asked gently.

Olivia's voice, though weak, held concern. "You need to look after Stefi… Don't let her ruin herself."

Catlin felt a deeper pang. "My silly girl, you're still worried about her?"

"I overheard Chris and Kevin," Olivia whispered. "She met that man at Cloudridge Valley."

"What?" Catlin's expression hardened.

"Mom, she's your daughter. Don't let her get involved with those men. Even if she and Chris broke up, she shouldn't settle for some old guy."

Catlin's fury erupted, her chest heaving. Seeing her mother's agitation, Olivia lowered her gaze, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.

At Whispering Bay, Stephanie's phone repeatedly lit and dimmed; the calls had been relentless. She'd switched it to silent. Deep in sleep, a noise at the door startled her. Groggily, she opened her eyes to see Sebastian, unsteady and clearly drunk.

"Hi, Sebastian," Stephanie mumbled, rubbing her eyes and getting out of bed.

As the door closed, Sebastian shed his coat and scarf. He was undeniably handsome, possessing a certain charm.

Stephanie snapped fully awake, sliding off the bed. "You've been drinking?" A faint blush crept onto Sebastian's face, a familiar sign.