Chapter 21

Stephanie stayed firm, her words sharp and biting.

Chris, frustrated, took another drag from his cigarette.

He seemed to hit a wall, finally asking. “Then what do you suggest? What should I do?”

In his mind, he’d done everything he could–what more did she want?

All he needed was for Allison to come back. With her, Olivia had a shot.

Stephanie, cool as ever, replied, “Don’t bring up the wedding again. It’s over between us.”

“Chris, you” Grace snapped, clearly annoyed. Chris froze, the ash falling from his cigarette onto his hand. “Why do you have to…

The words “It’s over” hit him harder than anything else.

He couldn’t wrap his head around it–With her financial problems, why did she think she could just walk away from him?

Seeing the shock on his face, Stephanie sneered. “Forget about Allison too. If you can get her back to treat Olivia, then go ahead. You’re rich, you’re capable, you don’t need me, right?”

Her words mixed sarcasm with an uncomfortable truth.

Chris‘ face twisted with anger at the mocking tone in her voice.

If money and power could fix things with Allison, he wouldn’t be begging Stephanie for help.

He’d used all his connections, but they’d all shut him down.

In fact, he’d already reached out to Allison, and she had flat–out refused.

And, the man behind Allison was making it impossible for Chris to force her into anything.

Chris‘ expression turned to pure frustration.

Stephanie didn’t even look at his annoyed expression. She asked, bluntly, “Anything else? If not, take me to Eastview Tower.”

Finding a cab around here wasn’t exactly easy. Since Chris had sent Kevin off with her car, he was now stuck driving her.

had just gone off. He raised an eyebrow. “What’s at Eastview Tower? Got an interview? Looking for

Her voice was flat.

time, cutting through

blinked, caught off guard. Frustration simmered in him, but he

wasn’t the same

bold, completely rebellious. In that moment, Chris had this urge to teach her a lesson, to make her fall in line.

say anything, his phone rang.

was Olivia. Chris glanced at Stephanie, hesitated for a second,

1/3

Chapter 21

he

came through

again, and his irritation shifted toward her, but there was also something else underneath it- concern

worry, call the doctor,”

out a faint, tired “Mm,” almost inaudible. “The doctor said this is how

frowned. “Did they give you

a couple of times, sounding fragile. “No, they said I’ve had

paused for a moment, considering. He could understand why the doctor had decided not to prescribe more–she had been on so many meds already, probably

added more, she’d be rattling

even deeper. “I’m coming over right

“If you’re busy, don’t worry

glanced over at Stephanie, almost absently. “Not too busy.”

knew that was the answer he’d give.

a mocking smile slid onto Stephanie’s

her face, felt his irritation flare up again. His patience

he muttered to Stephanie.

Am I imagining things?

to Olivia’s side, even kicking her out of the car.

One phone call, and he was ready to

rising. He shoved the black card back toward her.

expected her to just accept it without

grabbed the card, shoving it into her bag. But she didn’t

icy, staring straight ahead. “You’re driving

car, and besides, it had been Chris‘ idea to give her a ride in the

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