Chapter 40 Chapter 40 Was Stephanie disgusted with him because of Olivia ? Or was it because of that random guy in her apartment ? Chris couldnt help but think . It suddenly hit Chris that maybe , just maybe , Stephanie wasnt interested in marrying him at all . The thought of not interested was like a fist to the chest . It made it hard to breathe . He grabbed her wrist tight and commanded , Come with me . Stephanie snapped , Leave me alone ! Chris whipped around . The moment their eyes locked , he saw nothing but icy cold in hers . You want to end up like Tyler ? Stephanies stared at him , voice completely void of warmth . Need a ride to the hospital ? * Chris froze , his expression hardening . Before he could respond , Macro stepped in , grabbing Chris wrist with precision . Ashford , you better let Stefi go Who the hell are you ? Chris growled . First , there was some guy with a gun at Cloudridge Valley last night , and now another one ? This was totally out of his mind . But when Chris finally registered Macros face , his eyes widened in shock . He recognized Macro . This was the guy the world renowned heart surgeon from Fiorenza . He knew Macro mysteriously quit his medical career two years ago , but his name still carried a lot of weight . … Im not important , Macro said coolly . But if you keep holding her like that , Ill make sure youll be in big trouble tonight . Macros words came out in a smooth , deadly tone , his eyes narrowing with cold precision . Even Chris couldnt help but feel a chill run down his spine . On One by one , Chris slowly released his grip Stephanies wrist . Once she was free , Stephanie was quickly pulled behind Macro , who gave her a quick , reassuring look . Are you alright ? Macro asked . Stephanie massaged her sore wrist , her expression nonchalant . Macro shot Chris a cold glance , then turned to Stephanie with warm smile and continued , Did you eat ? Stephanie blinked . She just took a small bite on the cake . But honestly , after seeing this mess , she wasnt in the mood to eat anymore . She nodded reluctantly . Lets get out of here . The air in this place is toxic , said Macro . He took her arm gently and led her out of the chaos . Everyone in the room stood there , dumbfounded . Chris , in particular , couldnt believe what he was seeing . What was going on between Macro and Stephanie ? Chris mind spun . And what about that guy last night at Cloudridge Valley with the gun ? He clearly wasnt a nobody . Was Stephanie trying to 1/4 Mon , 3 Mar Chapter 40 make an escape plan , stacking backup after backup like this ? Chris couldnt deny that if so , Stephanie was playing the game like a pro lining up one heavy hitter after another . 75 % Meanwhile , Tyler was still sprawled on the floor , groaning in pain from Stephanies brutal kick . He wasnt getting up anytime 3000 Upstairs . Sebastian and Jackson were coming down the stairs when they saw the chaos near the dessert station . The chaos gave Jackson a headache . His family was hosting the event , and hed designed every detail himself , but now this ? This was not what he was expecting . He remembered while he was talking business with Sebastian , an assistant rushed in with the report : his sister Lilian had gotten into it with Stephanie . Sebastians face immediately darkened at that time . Without saying a word , he stood up to leave . Was he worried this would reflect badly on the Hodge familys reputation ? As the thought crossed his mind , Jackson grew irritated . Sebastian took a quick look at the scene downstairs , but he didnt see either Macro or Stephanie . Its nothing serious , Mr. Giovanni , Jackson sighed , trying to stir the topic . Lilian doesnt really know how to behave herself . Lets head back and finish the contract … Mr. Hodge , Sebastian cut him off . If you cant even handle your own family , we need to rethink this collaboration . Jackson froze . He didnt understand what their family drama have to do with the business deal . Before he could process the situation , Sebastian was already marching downstairs . Jackson was left standing there , completely lost . The ambulance arrived shortly after , carting off Tyler . Lilian was ready to follow him . But Jackson grabbed her arm and stopped her . Where do you think youre going ? Tyler was beat up by Stephanie ! Im going to the hospital with him . Lilian replied . As Tylers recognized girlfriend , she believed she had every right to go with him . But Jackson was sick of Lilian and had no respect for the Hart family . That Olivia was all show and no substance enough . He couldnt figure out how Lilian got mixed up with those people . Now that Tyler was hurt , it wasnt hard for Jackson to guess : Stephanie had finally snapped . Seeing Lilian rushing to leave , Jacksons anger flared . Where do you think youre going ? he yelled . Go back to your room ! Youre embarrassing the whole family ! What are you talking about ? Lilian shot back . Let go of me ! Jackson sighed and turned to the butler , Derek , take Lilian to her room . The butler immediately stepped forward and nodded , Yes , Mr. Lilian panicked when she realized Jackson was serious . What are you doing ? she refused to go upstairs and was determined to go to the hospital . 2/4 09:28 Mon , 3 Mar Chapter 40 Jackson shot her a warning glare . Well talk later . With that , he stormed out , leaving Lilian fuming . Sebastian had finally come to Long Harbor and agreed Jackson was furious . to meet with him now Lilian was making everything a mess . Behind him , the scene was turning into complete chaos . Derek , worried about Jacksons temper , finally had people drag Lilian back upstairs . 5 % Inside the car , the tension was palpable . Sebastians face was stormy , while Stephanie sat quietly beside him , not daring to speak . Did they bully you ? Sebastian glanced at her . No , they didnt , Stephanie replied , shaking her head . Macro chimed in quickly , I can vouch for her . She wasnt bullied . After all , who in their right mind would dare to bully Stephanie ? The woman was tough enough to send a guy to the hospital . But Sebastians face remained as dark as ever , until Both Stephanies and his phones rang at the same time . One from Ella , and one from Jackson . Hey Ella , Stephanie picked up the phone . Stefi , are you okay ? asked Ella , her voice filled with concern . She was really wondering how Stephanie ended up leaving with Macro . Macro was internationally famous , far more well known than Allison . How did Stephanie know someone like him ? Ella was curious . No worries , Ill take you for some Mexican dish tomorrow . Stephanie quickly ended the call , saying , I need to go now . Sebastian , however , didnt pick up his call . When he heard Stephanie take the call and even mention dining out , his face darkened . Jackson called again , and without a second thought , Sebastian hung up and blocked the number . I really wasnt bullied . Can you stop looking at me like that ? Stephanie muttered . Sebastians voice was as cold as ever . Really ? Really , Stephanie said firmly . Sebastian let out a frustrated grunt . Is this how youve been dealing with things all these years ? Stephanie went quiet . His words hit a little too close to home . He was right . This was how shed been handling things . People always said that in life , youve got to take a hit to gain love and support . She pondered . Maybe the reason so many people didnt like her was because she couldnt stand being walked all over . 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. What makes "Someone Loved is Never Lost" special is its ability to seamlessly blend high-stakes corporate drama with heartfelt human connections, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels. Available to read at CrushReel, this novel promises a literary experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating each new chapter.