Chapter 28 For a moment . Stephanie wasnt sure if shed heard him right . She noticed the subtle shift in Sebastians tone when he mentioned the name Chris it went cold , like he was talking about something he didnt want to touch . She shrugged , trying to play it cool . Theyve got nothing to do with me now . Even though the Hart family was her biological family , the truth was , she was only back because Valentina had put the pressure on her . Getting engaged to Chris ? That was her escape from Valentinas control . Once she had that ring on her finger , Valentina stopped bothering her completely . Sebastians eyebrow arched . Theyve got nothing to do with you ? Stephanie let out a breath . Valentina threatened me . I got engaged to Chris so she and Richard would back off . Sebastians icy stare never wavered . Stephanie knew it was time to tell him the truth . Now that Valentina was behind bars , the pressure was off . The timing felt right . Sure enough , Sebastians expression softened , just a little . Across the city , things were far from calm . At the hospital , Chris stood helplessly by Olivias bed , watching her twist in pain . Just yesterday , shed been fine enough to stop by his office . Now ? She could barely move . Catlin was practically beside herself , pacing the floor . Chris , She said , we need to move fast . her condition is critical . The liver and uterus are the big problems right now . Her liver needed surgery , and so did her heart . They were hoping Allison could step in for the uterine cancer so Olivia wouldnt have to endure another surgery . Chris ran a hand through his hair , his exhaustion written all over his face . It was three in the morning , and the hospital had quieted down . Olivia was asleep now , but only after hours of grueling pain . She suffered physically , while those who stayed by her side were tortured mentally . Catlins heart ached , but Chriss heart hurt even more . Chris was tired of talking to Catlin . Yeah , I know . Even without Catlin saying it , he knew : they needed Allison , and they needed her now . Picking up a phone that wasnt his , he dialed Stephanies number . 1/3 Mon , 3 Chapter 28 Back in Cloudridge Valley , Stephanie was still in the hot seat , under Sebastians relentless questioning . Just as he was about to say something else , her phone buzzed . She glanced at the unfamiliar number , then instinctively hit end . The phone rang again , the same unknown number flashing on the screen . Sebastians eyes narrowed . Why didnt you answer ? Its nothing , she said , shrugging it off . After everything with her divorce from Chris , shed blocked calls from him and the whole Hart family . Things had gotten out of hand , and when they werent happy , theyd just call her up . So , she assumed this was one of them , either Catlin or Chris . She didnt want to pick up , not with Sebastian standing right there . She hung up , but the phone rang again . As she was about to hit end for the third time , Sebastian reached out and placed his hand in front of her . Stephanies eyelid twitched . What are you doing ? Sebastian didnt flinch . Need me to get it for you ? I assume you wouldnt want that . Her mouth twitched in annoyance . Its no big deal . -He raised an eyebrow . No big deal ? Non stop calling in the middle of the night ? Stephanie faltered , momentarily caught off guard by his question . She couldnt come up with an excuse fast enough . Under his unrelenting gaze , she finally answered the phone , letting out a small sigh . The moment the call connected , Chriss tired voice came through . His voice was hoarse , barely a whisper . Tell me what you want . Ill give it to you . He sounded worn down , but there was also a note of surrender in his tone . Stephanie didnt put the phone on speaker , but the conversation was loud enough for Sebastian to hear . He could tell it was either Chris or someone from the Hart family calling . Stephanie glanced at Sebastian , and immediately , the coldness in his eyes hit her like ice . Her hand , still clutching the phone , started to tremble . No , I mean , you- Chris cut her off , his voice hoarse . You want money , right ? Ive unlocked the card . Buy whatever you want , however much you want . -His only condition : Allison had to come back . Before he could keep going , Sebastian snatched the phone out of her hand and hung up . 2/3 +13 Mon , 3 Mar Chapter 28 Stephanie looked up at him , their gazes locking . She quickly looked down , suddenly too uncomfortable to meet his eyes . Sebastians voice was laced with sarcasm . He seems like a great guy , huh ? Stephanie managed a dry laugh . Yeah , sure . Sebastians expression flickered , almost anused . Hell give you whatever you want Stephanie went silent then . She couldnt keep up the front anymore . Obviously , Sebastian didnt get a full picture of this whole thing . Its all about his agenda , Stephanie admitted quietly . He doesnt care about me . Not really For some reason , admitting it in front of Sebastian made her feel like she was confessing something guilty , Maybe because , back in school , hed always said , No dating while youre in school and shed never quite let go of that . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!