Chapter 29 

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. 

Chris paused, like a lightbulb had just gone off. He raised an eyebrow. “What’s at Eastview Tower? Got an interview? Looking for a job as a backup?” 

Stephanie didn’t even flinch. Her voice was flat. “None of your business.” 

Her tone was sharper this time, cutting through the tension in the car. 

Chris blinked, caught off guard. Frustration simmered in him, but he couldn’t figure out how to let it out. 

Stephanie had really changed–she wasn’t the same passive girl he remembered. 

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

But before he could say anything, his phone rang. 

It was Olivia. Chris glanced at Stephanie, hesitated for a second, then picked up the call. 

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Chapter 29 

His voice softened as he answered, “Olivia, you awake?” 

“Chris. I feel terrible.” Olivia’s weak, distressed voice came through the phone, making Chris‘ chest tighten. 

His gaze flicked to Stephanie again, and his irritation shifted toward her, but there was also something else underneath it concern for Olivia. 

“Don’t worry, call the doctor,” he said gently. 

Olivia let out a faint, tired “Mm,” almost inaudible. “The doctor said this is how I feel now. Feeling terrible is normal.” 

Chris frowned. “Did they give you any medicine?” 

Olivia coughed a couple of times, sounding fragile. “No, they said I’ve had enough medication.” 

Chris 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 needing them every half hour. 

If they added more, she’d be rattling like a maraca with every step. 

Chris‘ worry grew even deeper. “I’m coming over right now.” 

“No, it’s okay,” Olivia immediately responded. “If you’re busy, don’t worry about it.” 

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