Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Chris had been talking to Kevin for what felt like forever , but it was the kind of conversation that felt good to get off his chest . 89 % # He showed up at Cloudridge Valley early for lunch , but both his and Kevins calls were straight up blocked by Stephanie . No other options left , he went ahead and knocked on her door . Ten minutes straight , nothing . His mood , which had been kind of okay earlier , plummeted . Kevin rubbed his chin , thinking . You think she dipped out before you even got here ? The idea of her leaving before him hit Chris like a punch to the gut . She left first ? His voice was a sharp , low growl . Kevin just shrugged . Maybe you should call Mrs. Ashford ? Chris pulled out his phone and dialed his mom immediately . I just already called her . Shes on her way , his mom , Grace , said , sounding calm as always . There was a pause , and Chris could hear the confusion in her voice . Whyre you calling me ? Shouldnt you just call Stefi ? Chriss frustration bubbled up . If he could actually get through to Stephanie , he wouldnt be calling his mom . But since his mom was already on the line , he forced a sigh and said , Alright , heading back now . He didnt mention that Stephanie had blocked him hell , thatd be way too embarrassing to bring up . Graces tone softened , but there was still a little edge . Youd better apologize properly when you see her , and you better promise me you wont be seeing Olivia again . She went into lecture mode , and Chris could feel his patience running thin . The whole family was on edge , especially after the news about Olivias cancer . The old school Ashford elders werent about to accept Olivia she could mess up the familys future , they thought . Already irritated from everything going on , Chris wasnt thrilled about making another big promise to Stephanie . It only pissed him off more . He hesitated , but finally answered , This is … Grace , who knew him too well , cut him off before he could finish . Your grandparents said if this wedding falls apart , theyll never speak to you again . Chris froze , the weight of that hitting him . He didnt realize how much his grandparents were invested in this . It felt like one wrong move , and he could lose them all . His breath hitched , and he muttered , Why do they care so much about Stephanie ? Grace was blunt as ever . They say a fortune teller told them shes a lucky star . Shes the one bringing us good luck . Chris went quiet for a second . 1/3 Sun , 2 Mar < 89 % # . Chapter 16 His grandparents were big shots , respected people in the community . To hear that they were basing everything on some fortune tellers words well , it was too much to wrap his head around . Grace , clearly done with the conversation , said , Enough talking . Just come back , and remember what I said . Before he could get a word in , she hung up . Chris stood there , staring at the door . It felt like Stephanie had totally won this round . This woman , who seemed like just a regular person with a shorter fuse , had somehow worked her way into his familys good graces , But the thing was , his grandparents didnt need her to do a damn thing . Just being their lucky star was enough to have them wrapped around her finger . When Stephanie walked in the door later , Chris still hadnt shown up . Grace smiled warmly when she saw her , immediately taking her hand . Good girl . Im sorry you had to deal with all that . Ashford , I brought you a gift , Stephanie said , holding out a velvet box with a polite smile . Graces heart melted a little at the gesture . It was impossible not to like her more . Youre such a good girl ! she said , practically glowing . I didnt ask you to bring me anything . Stephanies thoughtfulness just made Grace like her even more . Stephanies thoughtfulness just made Grace like her even more . In that moment , Grace couldnt help thinking . The Hart family must be blind if they dont see how amazing this girl is . Why would they love someone like Olivia more than Stephanie ? Stephanie smiled politely , I thought this brooch would look nice on you . Grace nodded , clearly pleased . Thats sweet . Actually , Ive got something for you too . She took Stephanies hand and led her upstairs . Stephanie had only brought a simple brooch , but Grace immediately handed her a stunning diamond necklace . When Stephanie saw the necklace , sparkling with diamonds , she instinctively shook her head . Its too much . I cant accept this . Grace waved it off . This was picked out just for you . I went to Vaudémont with Claire last month , and we each bought one . You and Claire both have one . Whether that was true or not didnt matter . What mattered was that Grace was treating Stephanie like family now . The gift was symbolic just like the one shed given her daughter , Claire Ashford . After everything with Olivia yesterday , Graces gesture was a way to reassure Stephanie . Still , Stephanie hesitated . I really cant accept this . With her relationship with Chris at a standstill , she didnt feel comfortable taking anything from the Ashfords . But Grace wasnt backing down . She gently but firmly draped the necklace around Stephanies neck . 2/3 Sun , 2 Mar Chapter 16 * .89 % Stephanie was wearing a low cut dress that day , and the diamond necklace made her look even more stunning , adding a ⚫touch of elegance that was hard to ignore . Grace nodded in satisfaction , her smile wide . See ? I told you it was perfect for you . When I saw this necklace , I knew it was meant for you . Stephanie sighed , realizing it was easier to just go along with it than argue . Well , thank you . The two of them chatted and laughed as they headed back downstairs , just as Chris walked in . When he saw the diamond necklace around Stephanies neck , he froze . His mind went blank for a moment . He recognized it . It was the one Grace had bought in Vaudémont last month , and she had said it was for his future daughter in law . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!