Chapter 39 75 % +13 Tyler scoffed , Even if you wanted to see Chris , this wasnt the way to do it . The Hodge family didnt invite you . In fact , he had personally made sure Stephanie wasnt on the guest list . Shed been making waves ever since the engagement fallout , stirring up trouble over Olivia . The last thing he wanted was for her to show up at a high profile event like this . But hearing his reply , Stephanie let out a laugh . See Chris ? What would I need to see him for ? Tylers expression darkened . Then why are you here ? You think Chris will just let you keep making a scene ? You panicked now that realitys sinking in ? Tyler knew Chris had already made it clear he wasnt going to marry Stephanie . To Tyler , that was her own fault . Shed been too reckless , too aggressive . The public breakup , forcing Dr. Pierce to leave the country … After all that , did she really expect Chris to tolerate her antics ? Tyler didnt think so . You need to get it through your head , Tyler continued . Whatever you and Chris had is over . You brought this on yourself . Even if we wanted to , we couldnt help you fix this mess . Stephanie arched a brow . Wow , you almost make it sound like youd actually speak up for me . She couldnt help but wonder . Were these people blind , deaf , or just delusional ? She had single handedly turned Long Harbors high society upside down , and yet they still thought she was here for Chris ? Tylers temper flared . I dont care what you think you need to leave . And while youre at it , try not to embarrass yourself any further dressed like that . Chris also stepped forward , his expression unreadable . And then , the moment he saw what she was wearing , a flicker of undisguised contempt flashed across his eyes . Were done . Isnt that what you wanted ? said Chris , he voice was cold . Stephanie didnt say a word . Chris took a step closer , his tone dropping . Listen , Stephanie , if I ever even think about marrying you again , I swear , Id rather go to hell . Lilian smirked , striding up in her high heels . Well , you heard him , she sneered at Stephanie . Ashfords never taking you back . Your little dream of being Long Harbors most elite wife ? Game over . Stephanie turned to look at Lilian , her expression calm . Well , if its a dream , its a nightmare one Im more than happy to wake up from . Lilians smirk deepened . Keep telling yourself that . Youre just putting on a brave face . Without Mr. Ashford , and after everything you did to the Hart family , lets see how long you last before youre begging on the streets . Ellas patience snapped . She finally spoke up . Excuse me , who are you calling a beggar ? Even without the Ashfords and Harts , do you think she needs them to survive ? 1/3 13 Chapter 389 Lilian let out a mocking laugh . Oh ! And how long are you planning to babysit her , huh ? She gave Stephanie a pointed look . But even if you really want to spend your life carrying the ladys shoes , at least pick Ella inciled . You * Slap ! A crisp , ringing slap cut through the air . Lilians head snapped to the side . For a moment , there was total silence . Everyone stared , stunned . They all saw Stephanie had just slapped Lilian Stephanie was not planning to comment , but hearing Lilian humiliate Ella like that , she couldnt take it anymore . Lilian clutched her cheek , eyes wide with shock . You hit me ? Stephanies voice was lazy , almost amused . Yeah , and ? You think Id hesitate ? She crossed her arms , tilting her head slightly . With a mouth like yours , I shouldve slapped you ten more times . Tyler finally snapped back to his senses , his expression thunderous . He couldnt believe Stephanie had actually hit someone at an event like this . He stepped forward and shoved her back . Are you out of your mind ? You think this is the place for your tantrums ? Ive thrown bigger tantrums than this , Stephanie said flatly . She glanced at her chipped nail . That manicure had barely lasted a few days . Her mood soured even further . Tylers jaw clenched , You- He couldnt endure anymore . His hand shot up , his palm aimed straight for Stephanies face . The anger boiling inside him had reached its peak . This woman she was completely out of control . If she wanted a lesson , hed be happy to give her one . But just as his hand was about to strike , his wrist was caught in a firm grip . At the same time , Stephanies knee shot up right onto his stomach . Tyler let out a strangled sound , his face twisting in sheer agony . The one who had grabbed his wrist , Macro , blinked at the scene before him . He had been about to stop Tyler himself , but before he even got the chance , Stephanie had already handled it . He let go of Tylers wrist . Tyler curled in on himself , his breathing ragged . Tyler ! Lilian shrieked , rushing to him . What did you do to him ? Someone call a damn ambulance ! Tyler , still doubled over , felt an overwhelming sense of injustice . He couldnt believe he was taken down by Stephanie in front of everyone at the banquet . Seeing Tyler take a hit from Stephanie , Chris stormed toward her , fury written all over his face . What are you trying to pull here ? he barked . You really think causing a scene here is going to change anything ? Let me make it clear : Im not marrying you , no matter what you do . 09:28 Mon , 3 Mar C Chapter 39 Stephanie said nothing , her eyes as cold as ever . Even Macro conddnt help but glance at her , eyebrow raised . The tension in the room was suffocating . Some people , unable to hold their tongues , started griping right there on the spot One voice piped up , Wasnt that Stephanie the one who called off the engagement ? Now shes regretting , wr Another added , Even if she is , it doesnt matter , Mr. Ashfords made it pretty clear theres no way hes marrying her A third one snickered , Some women just dont get it . Look at her throwing a fit . No wonder both the Hodge family and Mr. Ashford want nothing to do with her . Whod want to deal with that ? Just as Chris opened his mouth to say something , his phone buzzed in his pocket . He pulled it out and froze . It was a message from Catlin , a picture of Olivia curled up in a hospital bed , drenched in cold sweat , her face contorted in pain . His stomach dropped . Seeing Olivia like that wiped out all his anger . The heat in his chest went cold , replaced by a wave of guilt and concern . He turned to Stephanie , grabbing her wrist with a force that was firm but not aggresive . Enough already . Can we just stop this ? Please ? Stephanie shot him a look , her expression tight . Let go There was something in her eyes , a flash of disgust so quick it almost didnt register . But Chris saw it and it stung more than he expected , 田 In "Someone Loved is Never Lost" by CrushReel, readers are immersed in a captivating CEO drama that explores the intricacies of love, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of corporate power struggles and personal relationships, this ongoing novel delves deep into the lives of its characters as they navigate the complexities of both the boardroom and the heart. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and resilience intertwine with complex character dynamics, making for a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. CrushReel's unique storytelling style brings a fresh perspective to the CEO genre, offering a blend of emotional depth and strategic intrigue that sets this novel apart from others in its category. 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