Chapter 50 Chapter 50 Yes , she does need it at all . Otherwise , why would she dare to be so arrogant and completely ignore the Hart familys warning ! Lilian Jacksons growled warning snapped her back to reality . Her eyes met Stephanies , the humiliation so thick it choked her . Right then , as Lilian stood paralyzed unsure if shed even get Stephanies forgiveness today Stephanie struck first : Mr. Hodge , why force your sister through this charade ? Dragging out an insincere apology just to want forgiveness from me … Tell me , should I grant it ? She paused , theatrically tom . Refusing would seem petty , her pause implied . But granting it ? Does this look like remorse ? With one question , she dumped the entire burden onto Jackson . Jacksons chest heaved . He glared at Lilian . He wasnt fooled . Stephanie would never forgive Lilian- Not after years of her colluding with Olivia to torment Stephanie . Last nights incident ? A mere drop in the ocean . Jackson had ignored far worse in the past . Now , with Sebastians intervention , forgiveness hinged solely on Stephanies whims . She held that privilege . Yet Lilian , oblivious as ever , had still …. Jackson shot her a venomous look . Relieved , Lilian bolted from the office . Only S Stephanie Giovanni and Jackson Hodge were left . Alone with Stephanie , Jackson pulled out a cigarette . Finding no ashtray on the table , he shoved it back . Giovanni , he demanded bluntly , whats your relationship with Mr. Giovanni ? What do you think ? She volleyed the question back . Their gazes locked . Stephanies eyes were full of smiles . 1/4 Chapter 50 Jackson was a little flustered by her smile . Your feud with Lilian shouldnt poison my business with him , he said , palms upturned . It hasnt . Nor will it sway his decisions . Is that so I told him that he didnt need to be so angry because of me . As for Lilian , you should really discipline her The message was clear . Stop parading her here ! Forgiveness ? Irrelevant . Seeing Lilians face alone grated her nerves . As for Jacksons partnership with Sebastian- Stephanie prioritized Sebastians interests . If he deemed Jackson valuable , their collaboration would proceed , untouched by her personal grievances , Shed said her piece . Whether Jackson secured the deal depended solely on Sebastians calculus . And she trusted this : no personal grudge could outweigh huge profit in Sebastians eyes . Jackson understood now Stephanie and Sebastians bond ran deeper than mere business . As for Lilian Jackson nodded . Tll discipline her . Appreciate your patience . He rose , preparing to leave . As he turned , Stephanie opened her mouth as if to add something , then thought better of it . If I expose Tylers secret love child now , Lilian would just accuse me of stirring drama . Stephanie thought . Let life teach her instead of me . And one hard lessons enough ! Something else , Miss . Giovanni ? Jackson caught her hesitation . Just thinking if Lilians serious about Tyler , marriage talks should begin . That was Hodge family . If marriage was really involved , they would definitely investigate the other party thoroughly . The moment Jackson heard marriage , his face darkened … He despised the Harts . Hed always opposed Lilians entanglement with Tyler . Why would Stephanie bring this up now ? Shes too young for marriage Jackson couldnt fathom it . Given Stephanies feud with the Harts , why suggest a Hart Hodge marriage ? 2/4 22:01 Mon , 3 Mar Chapter 501 But marriage ? Out of the question . The Harts last foothold was eroding why else had the Ashford family taken such a hard line against Olivia recently ? Back when the mine was controlled , Jacksons side had dismissed them . Let alone now . Hodge , are you letting your sister run wild ? Be careful , thats a double edged sword . Her words carried layered meaning . Jackson frowned , gave a curt nod , and left . 50 % The moment he departed , Sebastian called . Til take you to lunch . Jackson came to see me , Stephanie disclosed without reserve . Sebastian : Why ? He wants me to stay out of your collaboration . Sebastian , if hes a lucrative partner , dont let my issues interfere . Business is business . I know my priorities . Thats good . With Sebastian words , she was relieved . Even if he didnt end up working with Jackson , it was because Sebastian had superior alternatives . Hanging up , Stephanie lifted her water glass . As she set it down , a shrewd glint flashed in her eyes The self righteousness of the Hart family will soon crumble . On his end of the call , Sebastians eyes frosted over after hanging up . His rule breaking approach … unacceptable . Elliot , who was driving in front , nodded and said , Yes , sir . Hed overheard the speakerphone Jackson actually sought out Stephanie . Everyone in Fiorenza knew : after the Casalini family incident , Sebastian loathed those who blurred professional and personal lines He especially despised partners who targeted family members to bypass negotiations. Jackson , facing collaboration hurdles with Sebastian , had crossed a red line by approaching Stephanie . Whats on the agenda for toniglu ? * 3/4 22 Mon , 3 Mar Chapter 50 A business dinner . Will you bring Miss Giovanni ? Sebastian No He never took Stephanie to such events . Elliot instamly regretted asking . Hed witnessed firsthand how fiercely Sebastian shielded Stephanie over the years- Sheltering her in a greenhouse , untouched by his worlds storms . Sebastian lit a cigarette . Hows the Sicily Sunwise piece progressing ? Nearly finished . Shell love this belated birthday gift At the mention of her birthday , Sebastians gare turned cold . This year , Stephanie had celebrated it alone . A cold smirk curled his lips . The Hart family . 4/4 Ө Comment AD Send gift 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. 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