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 .

Mr.

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 .

Im fine .

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 .

Yeah .

Good .

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.

Hodge .

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 .