BOOKSDRAMA Chapter 340
Chapter 340
Amber noticed Stephanie’s silence and asked, “Do you want it or not?”
Stephanie asked, “What?”
“Money, of course. The Hart family’s money.”
Taking a deep breath, Stephanie replied, “Do you really think I lack money now?”
“You may not need it, but the Hart family’s money is different; consider it a form of revenge.”
When Amber worked at Velvet, she witnessed how Tyler defended Olivia and insulted Stephanie–it made her question the kind
of person he truly was.
“How did you ever come to be interested in Tyler?” Stephanie asked.
Upon hearing Stephanie’s question, Amber’s expression contorted, as if she had just tasted something foul.
Stephanie said, “I mean, you even have his baby.”
Amber replied, “Did you really believe all those rumors about me?”
Rumors suggested that Amber had used her child as a bargaining chip, but the plan failed. Caitlin had confronted her multiple
times, each time with anger.
Amber scoffed, “If I must say, I’ve only been enticed by his wealth. I am poor; my child was an unexpected surprise, but now that
it exists, I must take responsibility.”
She added, “That responsibility extends to Tyler as well; he must pay.”
Amber certainly had a clear mind. From the beginning, it was never Tyler she was interested in; it was his money.
Noticing Stephanie’s continued silence, Amber chuckled softly, “Do you despise me? You won’t understand my life.”
Stephanie said, “I do not look down on you.”
Life circumstances differ among individuals. Had Stephanie not crossed paths with the Giovanni family, it was uncertain whether
she would have experienced such fortune.
Amber said, “I began working at the age of fourteen, and I’ve engaged in every job imaginable–waiting tables, distributing flyers,
sales–it’s all the same to me.
“When I realized that selling alcohol yielded more profit, I transitioned; ethics mean little to me when compared to financial gain.”
For reasons unknown, Amber divulged so much to Stephanie. Stephanie listened quietly. Until Amber mentioned Tyler, at which
point Stephanie interrupted, “Enough. I get it; Tyler is a scoundrel.”
Amber paused momentarily but then chuckled, “You are correct; he is indeed a scoundrel.”
When discussing Tyler, Amber’s tone bore no trace of emotion. It appeared as if she genuinely had been captivated solely by his
wealth, rather than the man himself.
Stephanie wondered if Tyler would find it tragic when he realized this truth. Stephanie asked, “What is your relationship with
Amber said, “We are getting married.”
1/3
12:24 Thu, 3 Apr
Chapter 340
With this simple declaration, Stephanie’s confusion was resolved. Amber continued, “Tommy has vowed to love me for a lifetime
and to protect both me and Ulric.”
Ulric was the baby’s name. He could also be viewed as Stephanie’s nephew.
Hearing Amber recount Tommy’s promises left Stephanie somewhat speechless. “Do you really believe that?”
“Not really,” Amber replied nonchalantly.
Stephanie asked, “Then why-”
“Tommy possesses status and wealth; that is certainly appealing.”
“Again for the money?”
At Stephanie’s comment, Amber fell silent. She retrieved a pack of cigarettes from her purse and inhaled deeply. Stephanie
observed her, perceiving a hint of sadness in her profile.
Then Amber remarked, “Romance is suited for princesses like you; for me, love is a luxury I cannot afford. We can only pursue
money, especially after enduring poverty for so long.”
Stephanie felt a flicker of empathy. She couldn’t fully comprehend the feelings Amber expressed, yet she could perceive the
underlying sentiments in her tone.
Amber took one last drag from her cigarette, then pulled a card from her bag and handed it to Stephanie. “For you.”
Stephanie said, “I don’t want it.” She was not lacking in money.
Amber asked, “Is it too filthy for you?”
“Not at all.” Stephanie knew that Amber was the one in greater need.
Amber insisted, “If you don’t find it objectionable, take it; I intended this for you.”
After receiving money from Tyler, Amber had set aside this portion for Stephanie, planning to give it to her while they were still in
Long Harbor.
However, unexpected circumstances had prevented her from doing so. Now that they were both in Fiorenza, it felt like the
perfect opportunity.
Stephanie frowned. “Why would you take it for me?” Her interactions with Amber had been quite minimal, and their
conversations even more so.
Amber’s mind drifted to an unpleasant night, where she had feared being assaulted by a group of thugs, only to have a stray
beer bottle shatter nearby, scattering them. A warm coat was draped over her, carrying an inviting scent.
Without uttering a word, Amber stepped forward, pressing the card into Stephanie’s palm. Before Stephanie could react, Amber
turned away to leave, prompting Stephanie to pursue her.
Upon glancing at Amber’s figure, Stephanie could discern a profound sadness.
Sofia emerged and called out, “Stefi.”
Stephanie turned, recognizing Sofia approaching her. Sofia inquired, “Why have you come out? What if you encountered mean
girls again?”
While Sofia had found Stephanie’s earlier display commendable, her concern remained. To the Giovanni family, Stephanie was
perceived as a delicate flower. Such a fragile being was better kept close, as they worried about her being bullied outside.
2/3
12:24 Thu, 3 Apr
Chapter 340
93%
+5
Stephanie said, “What’s there to fear? I could easily fight back; besides, after all that happened inside, who would even think me
a target anymore?”
The commotion had been quite significant, especially with Sable and Lucinda being ruthlessly expelled. Ultimately, Stephanie
had garnered a modicum of attention that evening.
By morning, rumors would surely circulate that she was truly cherished by the Giovanni family.
Sebastian stepped out, and upon seeing him, Sofia called out, “Sebastian.”
Stephanie turned as well, locking eyes with Sebastian. He drew her into an embrace and said, “Time to go home.”
As they strolled a few steps, Mireille called out to Sebastian from behind, “Sebastian.”
Both paused. Mireille approached and said, “You should consider my father’s proposal; after all, it would benefit Stephanie as
well.”
Mireille had harbored feelings for Sebastian since high school. Stephanie was aware of this, as Mireille had approached her as
well.
However, those occasions were rare, as subsequent encounters seemed to be prevented by Sebastian.
Stephanie looked at Sebastian, catching a hint of danger in his intense gaze. He said, “If you hadn’t shown up and mentioned
Stephanie, I might have considered it. But now there’s no need.”
With a chill in his voice, the depth of his pupils sharpened into something more cutting. Mireille’s expression darkened at his
statement. Sebastian wrapped his arm around Stephanie and walked away.
Mireille’s gaze followed him, then shifted to Stephanie nestled in his embrace. A flicker of malice crossed her eyes.
Sofia approached from a distance, positioning herself beside Mireille, and scoffed, “How foolish of your family to think they could
elevate their status by marrying you off.”
Mireille’s breath quickened as she turned to Sofia. “You are aware of Stephanie’s position in Long Harbor; the Giovanni family
doesn’t appear to be particularly astute either.”
Sofia understood her implication. If the Giovanni family faced a scenario akin to three years prior, Stephanie would be of no
assistance whatsoever.
With a scoff, she replied, “Only an inept man would sacrifice his marriage for family honor; you really think Sebastian is that
kind?”
3/3