Chapter 91

Ten minutes later, Chris followed Stephanie into the studio. He glanced around, immediately noting its age. He estimated several dozen people were present; for a studio, it was surprisingly large. He thought, More than two million dollars in annual profit? She's only in her twenties!

Jennifer poured Chris coffee, then quickly excused herself, sensing the tension.

Alone with Stephanie, Chris stated firmly, "Shut down the studio."

Stephanie replied, clearly surprised, "What?"

"End things with that man," Chris said, his voice resolute.

Confused, Stephanie asked, "What do you mean?"

Chris repeated, "Exactly what I said. Neither the Ashford nor the Hart family needs you in the spotlight."

Stephanie mocked him, "Shut down the studio? Supported by you all? You're offering me six thousand dollars a month? Wow, that's generous."

Six thousand dollars might suffice in a small town, but in Long Harbor, it barely covered basic living expenses.

Frustrated, Chris lit a cigarette. "Don't compare yourself to Olivia. This has nothing to do with her."

"Whether it does or doesn't is irrelevant," Stephanie said.

Does she mean our broken engagement had nothing to do with Olivia? Chris wondered, his head spinning.

He narrowed his eyes, the intensity almost predatory. "I'll marry you. You'll be my wife."

Stephanie was stunned. Did he just get slapped around and lose his mind?

"Marry me?" she asked, uncertain.

"Isn't that what you've always wanted?" Chris retorted, unwavering. His mind held only one thought: I will marry Stephanie. I have to.

Stephanie gasped, clearly thrown. "I thought you came here to talk about Olivia." Marry me? Is he insane?

Chris froze, his breath catching. He realized, Right. I came here to talk about Olivia. Macro and Allison were crucial to Olivia's treatment, but only Stephanie could authorize their involvement. He tightened his grip on his cigarette. "What will it take for you to let Macro and Allison join the medical team?"

Stephanie smiled. Now we're getting to the point! She sipped her drink. "You've been threatening me this whole time, so what's this about?"

Chris froze. His eyes narrowed as he took a long drag of his cigarette. He knew she was bringing up past grievances.

Stephanie continued, "You've cut off my financial support and sabotaged my job prospects. Let me guess. If you don't get what you want today, you'll threaten this studio, right?"