Chapter 18 Stephanie shot Chris a confused look , her brow furrowed as his icy glare pinned her . Whatd I do now ? she asked , her voice sharp . Chriss tone was cold . Stephanie , she just got back from treatment . Why do you have to be so awful to Olivia ? Stephanie chuckled and rolled her eyes . She tossed her phone aside , turning off the screen with a flick . Im awful ? She was overseas . Didnt they have hospitals there ? Or doctors ? Or maybe she couldnt afford it ? Whyd she have to come all the way back here ? And whys it gotta be you taking care of her and setting up her treatment ? Chriss anger built , each question landing like a punch , making him feel like he couldnt breathe . He snapped back , voice low but fierce . Allisons treatment plan is important , and you know that . Shes seriously sick , Stephanie . Shes got issues all over her body . Stephanie smirked , her tone dripping with sarcasm . Oh , so this illness is super rare ? Hows someone her age end up falling apart like that ? Her words cut , mocking but with an undercurrent of something darker . Chris couldnt take it anymore . Stephanie raised an eyebrow . Is it from living some unhealthy lifestyle ? Or is it just her karma ? At her age , having that many health problems was definitely rare . The word karma hit Chris like a slap . His face twisted with fury . You better shut your mouth , he growled , his voice barely above a whisper but full of menace . Then , after a beat , he added , Call Allison and tell her to come back . Chriss frustration exploded , his voice flat but cutting . He was done arguing . Stephanie raised an eyebrow again , unimpressed . And why would I do that ? She wasnt surprised Chris hadnt figured it out . He still didnt realize that all the feelings she once had for him were long gone . And yet , here he was , still acting like he had any say in her life . Chriss face darkened , his jaw tightening . Stephanie , listen when Olivia gets better , thats when well get married . He paused , his tone hardening . If you think you can keep playing your little games and dragging this out , go ahead . See if you can handle the consequences . Chris anger completely erupted . He became extremely tough and unyielding . He was sure the Hart family would catch wind of what Stephanie was doing . Theyd definitely punish her . When that happened , Stephanie wouldnt be able to handle the fallout . Stephanie didnt flinch . She shot back , I can handle it . Can she ? 1/3 12:44 Sun , 2 Mar Chapter 18 She couldnt understand where Chris got the nerve to try and threaten her . With a roll of her eyes , she turned away from him , dismissing him entirely . Chriss anger flared . If anything happens to her , you wont get off easy . She who ? Graces voice sliced through the tension like a knife . Her tone was sharp , her presence commanding . Furious , Grace marched over to Stephanie and grabbed her arm . Graces eyes blazed as she shot a glare at Chris . What did you just say ? Chris was seething , but he tried to explain . I need to explain * Grace cut him off , her voice frosty . Did you forget what I told you in the study earlier ? Her words were laced with disdain . Seeing the fury in his mothers eyes , Chris hesitated for a split second . Grace tightened her grip on Stephanies arm , her gaze never leaving Chris . It was a look that could cut steel . Chris didnt care anymore . He ignored her completely , turned on his heel , and headed for the door without another word . Grace wasnt having it . Stop right there ! Chris paused for a heartbeat but didnt turn around . After a second , he decided it wasnt worth it , striding out without a word . Graces fury only grew as she watched him go . When the door slammed behind him , the room fell into an awkward silence . Now , it was just Stephanie and Grace . Stephanie pulled her hand from Graces grip , then took off her diamond necklace . Without a word , she handed it to her . Graces eyes were full of regret . You dont have to do this … Stephanie cut her off , shaking her head . You saw how Chris handled things between us . Earlier , she had been trying to figure out how to tell Grace there was absolutely no chance for her and Chris . After all , the Ashford elders had treated her well over the last two years , and she didnt need to pretend anymore . Chris had already done all the dirty work for her , making things a lot easier . Grace nodded quickly , her expression hardening . Yeah , Chris is the problem . Ill deal with him . That little brat . Grace couldnt exactly blame Stephanies attitude . It was Chris who had messed things up , not her . She continued , Stefi , hes just confused . Please , give him one more chance . Ill make sure to set him straight . Stephanies gaze dropped , her voice quiet but firm . For the past two years , Ive been giving him chances . Its one thing for him to visit Olivia abroad , but this this is different . She was done . She swore shed never give Chris another shot . To even consider it would just be wasting her time . But Stephanie wasnt about to come off as petty . She needed to be clear . If they were calling off the wedding , Chris was going to have to carry all the blame . 2/3 12:45 Sun , 2 Mar Chapter 18 ༨ ༢ 89 % t Graces eyes widened when she processed what Stephanie had said about Chris visiting Olivia . He goes to see Olivia often ? Stephanie let out a long sigh . Last month on my birthday he was overseas … She didnt need to elaborate . She didnt want to . It was cruel irony they shared the same birthday . On her birthday , Chris was overseas , celebrating Olivias birthday . His family knew he was out of the country , but they hadnt thought twice about it , assuming it was for business . Now , hearing the truth from Stephanie , Graces face fell , and her lips trembled with anger . That little brat ! she hissed , her hands clenching into fists . She wanted to call Chris immediately , drag him home , and give him a piece of her mind . But then , Grace remembered her conversation with Olivia from two years ago . Shed been so clear Olivia was supposed to stay away from Chris . Now , it seemed like Olivia had no shame , no self respect . Graces blood boiled . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!