Vengeance With My White Knight by Maya Kensington

Chapter 8

Chris climbed into the car, his jaw clenched and his face dark with anger,

Kevin glanced at him through the rearview mirror. “So, how’s Miss Giovanni? Is she over it yet?”

It was pretty clear to everyone else that Stephanie was just throwing a tantrum, trying to pressure Chris into sending Olivia away again.

Chris rubbed his temples, frustration building. “You think she’s that easy to calm down?”

Kevin thought back to what had caused all this tension.

He had to admit, Olivia’s sudden return without any warning would’ve pissed anyone off.

“Do you think she’s serious about canceling the wedding?” Kevin asked cautiously.

Chris went quiet, unsure how to answer.

He replayed the past two years in his mind.

Then, Chris let out a bitter laugh. “What do you think?”

He couldn’t shake the feeling that someone who really felt that way wouldn’t shut down so fast.

Kevin thought for a moment, then shook his head It didn’t seem likely.

He knew the Hart family couldn’t stand Stephanie. Aside from marrying Chris, she had no backup plan.

Plus, after everything she’d invested in their relationship over the last two years, it seemed real. You couldn’t fake that kind of emotion.

So, Kevin figured Stephanie was just throwing a tantrum–though, admittedly, a pretty extreme one…

Back in Cloudridge Valley, Stephanie was still awake.

She stared at the pile of shopping bags scattered across the floor, her mind drifting back to the credit card she’d accidentally pulled out. Her headache was getting worse by the minute.

It felt like a storm was brewing inside her.

She tried to push the worry aside.

After all, she’d spent the whole morning trying on wedding dresses and shopping with Ella. Her calves were sore from all the walking

A bath sounded like just what she needed. It started off relaxing, but the moment she stepped out, the doorbell rang urgently.

“Who’s there?” she asked.

She didn’t bother opening the door, just called out.

“It’s me. Open up,” the person answered. Stephanie could tell it was Catlin.

Stephanie swung the door open to find Catlin standing there, dressed in an elegant skirt, a string of pearls around her neck.

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Chapter 8

was flawless, but her expression

authority. Her eyes locked onto Stephanie,

closed the door behind her, towel in hand, wiping her

but seeing Stephanie lounging around like that pushed her to the breaking

89%

what exactly are you trying to do?” Catlin snapped, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. “I told you, Olivia didn’t do it.

phone, opened it, and shoved the news article in Stephanie’s face. “And this statement about canceling the wedding? Olivia’s my daughter, and your sister! Why do you have

she’s the other

angrier she became, her words

towel aside and met Catlin’s furious gaze with equal

in her eyes, Catlin’s anger flared

you’ve ruined the reputation of our entire family, will you? Now I really wonder why I

admitting what had been weighing on her: her regret

never let Stephanie back, none

lately just proved she was nothing but trouble–a curse on their family.

stared at Stephanie, her face hard and completely devoid

dismissive laugh. “You’re right. You never should’ve brought me back. If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have ended up in

that Stephanie felt more regret than Catlin ever could. Returning to this

the words to

I said, you should’ve just pretended you never found me. From now on, we stay out

for Olivia–you’re still protecting her, huh? Still worried about people finding out about

her?”

years ago, Stephanie had left again. She hadn’t spent enough time with them to feel any real

rage burn hotter. “You… you rude and ungrateful brat,” Catlin spat.

conversation had hit a

Once you

punish Stephanie, so she tried to hit her where it hurt–her wallet–hoping that would make

back down

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Chapter 8

stormed out, slamming the door

convinced that cutting off Stephanie’s access to money would force

see Stephanie begging for her forgiveness.

5.,99%E

was gone, the house

casually washed an apple and

rang, and she answered it without hesitation.

on the other end was practically vibrating with excitement. “Boss, we’ve got a big

bite of her apple, her tone as calm

enthusiasm in check, replied, “Three times higher than what

number. The apple in her hand suddenly tasted sweeter.

took another bite and stood up. “I’ll be

finishing her apple,

it took her over forty minutes to get to the office, but today she made it in just