Chapter 6 Ella watched as the screen of Stephanies phone flickered , the constant barrage of calls taking its toll In just a few minutes , the phone had been ringing nonstop . Ella couldnt help but suggest . Why dont you just turn it off Stephanie glanced at the phone , frustrated . Blocking the numbers wasnt doing much anymore every call was from an unknown number . Stephanie didnt even need to answer to know that Catlin was behind this probably calling from one of their maids phones . She sighed , clearly irritated . Ella was right . Stephanie accepted her advice and turned off the phone . But Catlins punishment didnt stop there . Stephanie stayed with Ella for a while , trying to calm down . After a few moments , they both got ready to leave . When it was time to pay , the waitress walked over with a strange expression , hesitating slightly before saying , Sorry , Miss your card was declined . Stephanies eyes flickered to the card she had grabbed randomly from her wallet . She remembered it was the one Catlin had given her when she first returned to the Hart family , years ago . Back then , she hadnt wanted it , but Catlin had insisted . Now , the card wouldnt go through . Ella , noticing the exchange , quickly pieced things together . Anything wrong ? Stephanie sighed deeply . Catlin froze my card Ellas lips twitched in disbelief . Because of Olivia ? What kind of mother does that to her own daughter ? Ella couldnt hide her disgust . She was appalled by how some people would treat their children this way . Stephanie gave a nonchalant smile , clearly used to this . Its not the first time . Ella gently pushed Stephanies hand away from the card . Without waiting for a response , she pulled her own card from her bag and handed it to the waitress . Stephanie immediately protested . No , I got this . But Ella insisted , her tone firm , and the waitress walked away with the card . Once they were back in the car , Ella was fuming . Tll transfer $ 50,000 to you . Dont let them push you around Stephanie felt a warmth spread through her . For once , someone was standing up for her . She sighed , trying to brush it off . Its okay , I really do have the money for myself Ella shot her a skeptical look . How ? You dont even have a job . The Hart familys a bunch of animals . Im going to give them a piece of my mind . Ellas anger was practically radiating off her . 1/3 12:43 Sun , 2 Mar Chapter 6 Stephanie paused , thinking carefully , and then decided to come clean . I really do have money . Well , its a long story . She hesitated , unsure of how much to reveal . The truth wasnt exactly simple . Despite spending the last couple of years with Chris , she wasnt entirely dependent on him or the Hart family . Ella waved her off , unimpressed . Fine , I trust you , but take this 50,000 anyway . 90 % 0 Stephanies been with Chris these past few years . Any money she has is probably from the Hart family . She couldnt have real cash . Ella couldnt shake her doubts . Stephanie , practically begging her to stop insisting , said , Really , I dont need it . Ella shot back , Im just saying … No matter how much Stephanie argued , Ella was determined to believe she didnt have anything of her own . Finally , to prove her wrong , Stephanie dragged Ella to a mall and bought a bunch of things worth hundreds of thousands of dollars . Ellas disbelief began to fade . When she saw the black card Stephanie had used , her eyes widened in surprise . Whered you get this black card ? Who gave it to you ? Chris ? Now , the only person Ella could imagine giving her a card like that was Chris . Stephanie stared at the card she had pulled out earlier , her mind momentarily blank . A wave of emotion surged through her as memories flooded back . She swallowed before answering , Chris ? No way . Chris had never been that generous with her . Ellas eyes widened , and she quickly asked , Then who gave it to you ? Since it wasnt Chris , and it couldnt possibly be from the Hart family . Ellas mind started racing . She worried that her friend might be involved in something illegal or mixed up with shady people . Who is this generous guy ? Ella asked , tapping her chin thoughtfully , a playful but concerned look on her face . A soft , distant expression crossed Stephanies eyes as she thought about the owner of the card , but she didnt answer . Instead , she grabbed Ellas hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze . Without saying anything else , they walked out of the mall together , their bags in hand . After parting ways with Ella , Stephanie made her way back to Cloudridge Valley . Shed barely stepped through the door when she ran straight into Chris , who was standing in her way , blocking her entrance . Chris looked furious . He glanced at his watch , irritation radiating from him . Hed been waiting for two full hours . Why did you turn off your phone ? His voice was tight with anger . 2/3 12:43 Sun , 2 Mar Chapter 6 Stephanie shot back with a clipped , It was annoying . 90 % 0 A month ago , Chris hadnt cared about her well being at all . But today , all of a sudden , he was bombarding her with calls because of Olivia , no less . Stephanie reached for her keys to open the door , but before she could even unlock it , Chris grabbed her wrist . Stephanie ! His voice was low and forceful . She glared at him , her eyes cold as ice . With a sneer , she bit back , Your true loves in the hospital with no one by her side . How pathetic . The mention of true love hit a nerve with Chris , only fueling his anger . His grip on her wrist tightened as his teeth clenched in frustration . We need to talk , he growled . Stephanie didnt even flinch . With one swift motion , she yanked her wrist free and tried to slam the door in his face . But Chris was faster than she expected , his arm shooting out to stop the door from closing . In the blink of an eye , he was about to push his way inside when Stephanie kicked out , aiming straight for his groin . Chris hadnt anticipated the force of her kick . He stumbled back , shocked , and yelled , You vicious woman ! He twisted his body just in time to avoid the hit , but it pulled his arm out of the doorframe . That was enough for Stephanie to try and slam the door again . Chris was quicker this time . He grabbed the door just before it slammed shut and shoved his way inside . Stephanie glared at him , her voice as frosty as her expression . I suggest you leave now . Chris was panting with anger , his words dripping with venom . I swear youll regret this . For the first time , Stephanie let her true violent side show . She was nothing like the delicate , obedient woman Chris had once known . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!