Forsaken Daughter Pampered By Top Hier novel Chapter 3

As soon as Stephanie stepped out of the building, she saw Olivia getting out of a car.

Chris's assistant, Kevin Wright, opened the door for her. She handed him several shopping bags.

"Give these to the secretaries," she instructed with a graceful nod.

Her posture exuded authority, like she owned the place.

Kevin took the bags with a respectful nod. "Thank you, Miss Hart."

Olivia gave a soft smile before turning, her eyes locking with Stephanie's across the parking lot.

Stephanie narrowed her gaze.

Olivia paused, then walked toward her. "Stefi."

Her voice was sweet, almost like a kind big sister.

When Stephanie had first been brought into the Hart family, they'd mentioned that Olivia was only an hour older than her.

Stephanie knew that sweet tone was for Kevin's benefit.

And, the challenge in Olivia's eyes was unmistakable.

As Olivia got closer, her voice dropped, almost a whisper. "You're his fiancée, but he wants me here in his workplace. Tell me, what does that mean?"

Stephanie's expression didn't shift. She stayed silent.

After a beat, she scoffed. "I'm his fiancée. And as long as I want, I can visit here and even the Ashford family anytime. You where else can you go except here? Oh, right—meeting in the darkness like rats doesn't count."

Olivia's face flickered with a mix of surprise and irritation.

She quickly smoothed over the smugness, but her eyes narrowed with cold fury.

It was clear—Olivia couldn't go to the Ashford family. Too many old-fashioned relatives there would never accept her.

Stephanie couldn't help feeling a rush of satisfaction as she saw Olivia's discomfort.

Olivia shot her a glare, her voice sharp. "Don't get too comfortable. As long as I'm around, you'll never marry him."

Stephanie gave a slight smile, her tone unaffected.

She brushed imaginary dust off her shoulder. "The world doesn't revolve around him. I don't need to marry him."

In truth, Stephanie had known from the start that Chris's heart belonged to someone else. Walking away from him had always been the right choice.

Some things just couldn't wait. Stephanie knew it was time to move fast.

Olivia's face stiffened. "What do you mean?"

She stared at Stephanie, completely thrown off, unable to process what was happening. She had always believed Stephanie was hopelessly in love with Chris.

She could still remember how fiercely they had fought over him two years ago. But now, to see Stephanie acting so indifferent—it made Olivia think that maybe it was all just a front.

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "I mean exactly what I said. If I lose Chris, I can move on and find someone else. But you? He's the only guy who will ever marry you, and you won't even get a grand wedding. Honestly, I almost feel sorry for you."

Olivia's face, already pale with anger, drained white with fury.

Stephanie secretly enjoyed seeing Olivia's confidence crumble.

She didn't understand why Olivia had the nerve to provoke her today—maybe she had forgotten the bitter lesson from two years ago.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Stephanie turned to leave.

But just as she was about to walk away, Olivia suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Stefi, I'm just back in town to see a doctor."

Chris, now running toward them, finally reached the scene and shouted, "Stephanie, stop!"

Olivia, gasping and choking, felt like her lungs were about to explode. Her hands flailed wildly.

Chris reached them, shoved Stephanie aside, and pulled Olivia out of the water.

Olivia, drenched and coughing violently, struggled to speak. Chris, full of concern, looked at her. "Are you okay?"

Olivia gasped for air, her chest burning. "I... I... wheeze."

Her eyes were cloudy with pain, and she was barely able to form words.

Chris's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Stephanie.

Stephanie, unfazed, took two swift steps forward and without hesitation, stomped down on Olivia's ankle.

Olivia screamed in agony. "Argh—!"

Chris roared, fury radiating off him. "Stephanie!"

He shoved her away again, his hands shaking with rage.

But Stephanie wasn't phased. She raised her small purse and threw it straight at Chris's head.

The impact made Chris stagger back, momentarily dazed, but his rage only grew stronger.

He couldn't believe how rude and brutal Stephanie had become.

Before Chris could react, Stephanie lunged at Olivia again, kicking her in the leg.

Olivia, already struggling from the water, felt a sharp pain shoot through her leg as it started to swell.