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 was sharp

down with authority. Her

the door behind her, towel in hand, wiping her

lounging around like that

89%

chest. “I told you, Olivia didn’t do it. She just got back, and you’re

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 to humiliate her like

now thought she’s the other woman. How could

spoke, the angrier she became, her words

ice, tossed the towel aside and met

in her eyes, Catlin’s anger flared even

“You won’t stop until you’ve ruined the reputation of our entire family, will you? Now I really wonder why I ever brought you

what had been weighing on her: her regret for bringing

never let Stephanie back,

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

at Stephanie, her

You never should’ve brought me back.

clear in that moment that Stephanie felt more regret than Catlin ever could. Returning to this family had been

the words

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

Olivia–you’re still protecting her,

her?”

years ago, Stephanie had left again.

made Catlin’s rage burn hotter. “You…

hit

carefully. Once you stop going after Olivia,

to punish Stephanie, so she tried to hit her where

back down

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Catlin stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

access to money would force her to crawl

Stephanie begging

5.,99%E

gone, the house fell into a heavy silence.

washed an apple and took a bite.

and she answered it without hesitation.

other end was practically vibrating with excitement. “Boss, we’ve

another bite of her apple, her

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

pulse quickened at the number. The apple in her hand suddenly tasted sweeter.

stood up.

apple, she quickly

get to the office, but today she

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