Chapter 332
hapter 332
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Chapter 332
The reason Chris was in Fiorenza was that he wanted to see Stephanie; he couldn’t stand the thought of her marrying
Sebastian. He had also tried to escape the troubles in Long Harbor, where everything was falling apart.
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The Ashford family was in chaos, with Fred focusing all his attention on Steven and barely visiting Grace in the hospital. Things
changed quickly when Steven showed up, breaking the family’s peace.
“Is this how you want to punish me?” Chris asked, his voice tight with emotion.
Stephanie responded, “I don’t have time for that. Your problems are because you focused too much on love without thinking of
the big picture.”
Chris was shocked into silence as she continued, “You’re so full of yourself. That is why you’re losing.”
Chris used to be respected in Long Harbor; people thought he made the Ashford Group successful. But in a bigger world outside
Long Harbor, he felt lost.
Stephanie’s words hit him hard. He said, “Do you really have to insult me now?”
“Insult? Is that what you think?” she mocked, feeling his complete lack of understanding.
Stephanie scoffed and continued, “If you had given even a fraction of the attention you showed to Olivia to the Ashford Group,
you wouldn’t be so easily replaced by Steven.”
Chris fell silent, her words hitting him like a hammer. His mind buzzed, leaving him momentarily speechless. “I’m easily
replaced?”
Chris thought, ‘While in Long Harbor, Stephanie was constantly bullied, and her sharp tongue could be somewhat excused. But
now she’s in Fiorenza. Why does she still act this way?‘
Sitting on the bed, Stephanie took a sip from the glass of water, a sardonic smile played on her lips. “Sure.”
Chris thought, ‘Why can’t I seem to forget her? Is it because of her sharp tongue?‘
Just as Stephanie was about to deliver more words, there was a knock at the door, and Sofia’s voice called out, “Stefi, it’s time to
get up; we’re going to be late.”
“Alright, I’m coming.” After she responded, Stephanie ended the call with Chris.
When Sofia stepped inside, she asked, “Who were you talking to?”
“Chris,” Stephanie said as she blocked his number. She wondered why people from Long Harbor were so eager to stay in touch
Sofia’s expression darkened at the mention of Chris. “Why are you still in contact with him? I’ll make a firewall against Long
Harbor’s numbers for you.” To Sofia, the Ashford family was the enemy.
Stephanie replied, “It’s useless. Today, both Tyler and Chris have contacted me using Fiorenza numbers.”
“Even the Hart family is reaching out to you? What do they want?” Sofia was clearly displeased.
She could brush off Chris as unimportant since he was just Stephanie’s former fiancé. But if the Hart family kept pushing, that
could become a real problem.
Stephanie said, “They probably just want to apologize, I guess.”
Though the sincerity of that apology was questionable. An apology with hidden motives could turn ugly quickly if their
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wishes weren’t met. That had always been the Hart family’s way.
Sofia said, “They rejected you before, what good would an apology do now?”
Sofia thought, “They preferred the adopted daughter before, but now they want their biological daughter back after finding out the
truth about the adopted one? How fickle!”
Stephanie said, “I’m going to eat something before I leave.” She didn’t want to talk about either the Hart family or Chris
Upon hearing that she was going to eat, Sofia intervened. “Yes, you should eat. Mom and Sebastian both insisted you have a
little something before the party,”
While Stephanie was eating, Sofia called a maid to help Stephanie change into a pretty light blue gown. Sofia remarked, “People
will notice your belly,” After all, Stephanie was pregnant, and it was noticeable.
Stephanie looked down, noticing the slight bump. Sofia said, “It looks nice.” Worried Stephanie might feel self–conscious, Sofia
offered comfort.
But for Stephanie, others‘ opinions didn’t matter. She said, “Whether it looks good or not is not for them to judge.”
Stephanie motioned to the maid and said, “Please bring me that white coat; I want to wear it.” Even for an important party, there
was no need to freeze.
Sofia sighed, acknowledging that Stephanie didn’t seem particularly concerned about showing her figure. Since childhood,
Sebastian prioritized Stephanie’s health over her looks. If she gained a few extra pounds, he might actually be pleased.
Once Stephanie was dressed, she enjoyed her meal heartily. The pregnancy supplement prepared by Lottie stimulated her
appetite. Stephanie no longer felt nauseous.
Sofia ate with her. Watching Stephanie devour her food with such enthusiasm sparked Sofia’s appetite too.
Set you worried
you might throw up? Maybe you alwuld eat fun, you to rza, na kocke
Sofia genuinely worried that Stephanie might overeat. But there were no signs of discomfort from Stephanie. Stephanie said, “I
won’t feel sick; that feeling has been gone since noon.”
Sofia asked, “Are too
ch.”
sure your
stomach can handle this? Just because you’re not feeling nauseous doesn’t mean you can eat
Don’t blame Sofia for being too cautious; Stephanie had left Sofia with psychological scars due to her frequent hospital visits
over discomfort. Doctors clarified that even though her appetite was great, her stomach wasn’t in good shape, advising her to
hold back.
Sofia said, “Stop; you’ve already had plenty.”
When Sebastian came in, he saw Sofia taking away Stephanie’s unfinished food. Stephanie gave Sofia a pleading look.
Sofia said, “Sebastian said you should just eat a little; he didn’t mean for you to stuff yourself. There will be more food at the
party later.”
The treats were delicious and perfectly sweetened, prompting Stephanie to say, “Then I’ll just have one last piece.”
Sofia turned with the plate in hand. “That’s not happening.”
Seeing Sebastian enter, Sofia exclaimed, “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t be back?” Just earlier, Sebastian had told her to take
Stephanie to the party.
Sebastian looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Sofia felt her heart race under his gaze and clarified, “Just so you know, I’m not
bullying Stefi.”
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When Sebastian was around, he would limit Stephanie’s intake as well. Sofia couldn’t quite understand how Stephanie
maintained such an excellent appetite despite her stomach issues. That kind of appetite was enviable.
Anyone sharing a meal with Stephanie would find themselves gaining a better appetite.
Stephanie, casting a somewhat pitiful look at Sebastian, murmured, “Sebastian, I-”
“Don’t call me Sebastian.”
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Stephanie was confused. Puzzled, she looked at Sebastian. He reached out and gently tousled Stephanie’s hair. “Try again.”
Stephanie met Sebastian’s gaze. “Honey?”
Sofia’s jaw dropped. She thought, ‘Did they really have to reveal such intimacy in front of me?‘
And it didn’t stop there. Having received the answer he wanted from Stephanie, Sebastian turned back to Sofia and said, “From
now on, don’t think of Stephanie as your sister. She is your sister–in–law.”