Chapter 83
Chapter 83
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At the Ashford residence, Grace frowned as she spotted the cast on Chris‘ arm. “What did you do this time? And what about that bruise on your face?”
After two nights of fighting with Sebastian, the bruise on Chris‘ face had turned even nastier.
His arm, now in a cast, made it clear that the fight had not ended in his favor.
“It’s nothing,” Chris said flatly. “Why are you here so late?”
“Your father wants to see you. He’s waiting in the study,” Grace replied.
Chris gave a slight nod and turned to head upstairs.
Grace watched him go, her gaze lingering on his cast, her expression unreadable.
She turned to the butler beside her. “I need to see Kevin.”
“Understood,” he nodded and left.
*****
Upstairs, as soon as Chris stepped into the study, the heavy scent of smoke hit him.
Fred had been retired for a year now, but the air of authority still clung to him.
For the past year, Chris had been running the Ashford Group with little interference from Fred.
But now, Fred’s sharp gaze locked onto him. “The heir to the Lucano family from Fiorenza has arrived in Long Harbor. You are aware of that, right?”
“I am.” Chris nodded.
“Have you met him?” Fred asked.
“Not yet,” Chris admitted.
Kevin had been trying to arrange a meeting with Lucano’s assistant, but so far, there had been no response.
Fred’s expression darkened. “Jackson met him.”
Chris‘ brows furrowed. “What?”
“At his grandfather’s birthday banquet,” said Fred.
There was clear displeasure in Fred’s voice. “Is Olivia holding you back?”
Stephanie had publicly announced the engagement cancellation. Olivia’s return was no longer a secret.
At the mention of Olivia, Chris‘ face tensed for a split second before he quickly replied, “This has nothing to do with Olivia. I am handling things with Mr. Lucano.”
“You?” Fred scoffed. “He has been in town for three days, and you still have not met him. Do you have any idea how many people are after what he has?”
“I know,” Chris said steadily.
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Chapter 83
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Fred leaned back, exhaling a puff of smoke, his gaze turning even sharper. “If you really like Olivia, keep her as a distraction. But if she starts affecting you, then…”
He did not finish the sentence, but Chris understood the unspoken warning.
Two years ago, it had been the same.
Stephanie had caused a major scene, and the entire Ashford family had issued a deadly threat against Olivia.
Chris clenched his jaw and gave a curt nod. “Understood.” His tone was not exactly respectful but it was not rebellious either.
Fred waved a hand dismissively. “Go.”
A few simple words, yet every one of them carried a weight Chris could not ignore.
As Chris descended the stairs, he immediately noticed Grace standing there, her expression cold as she stared at Kevin.
Kevin, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor.
Hearing footsteps, Grace lifted her head. She glanced at Chris, her eyes turning even colder. “You have really let me down. Olivia is slowing you down, and Stephanie made you lose control and start a fight.”
The moment Grace said that, Chris shot a glance at Kevin, his eyes going ice–cold.
Kevin was already feeling guilty, and under Chris‘ piercing gaze, he didn’t even dare to lift his head.
Chris stepped up to Grace, his lips parting slightly as if he was about to say something. But in the end, he swallowed the words and stayed silent.
“Let’s go,” he said to Kevin.
Kevin nodded quickly and followed behind him.
Just as they reached the front door, Grace’s voice rang out behind them. “Don’t let Olivia wander around.”
All of Long Harbor was buzzing with rumors that Chris was planning to buy a property in Shallow Bay Area for Olivia’s
recovery.
Shallow Bay Area was one of the most prestigious real estate locations in the city.
Grace had once set her sights on it, hoping to purchase a home there for her own retirement. But no one in the family had taken her interest seriously.
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