Chapter 298

The vibe in Shallow Bay Area was chill as ever, the sea breeze slipping through the window with a light, salty kick. Tyler and Chris’s dumb little stunt didn’t even make a ripple here. Everything just kept rolling, nice and easy.

But over at the hospital? Caitlin and Chad felt like the world was caving in. Tyler’s injury was rough—real rough. One hand got smashed in the worst spot, and the doc laid it out straight: it was probably ruined, no surgery could fix it. When Caitlin heard that, she almost passed out again, legs buckling as she slumped against the wall.

Chad lost it, his voice a low growl. “Why the hell did he go after her again? Shallow Bay Area, of all places—and for Olivia?” Everyone knew Stephanie couldn’t stand anything tied to Olivia. She’d never tried to hide it. And now Tyler had chased her down in Shallow Bay over Olivia’s crap—and ended up like this? It was unreal.

Caitlin’s chest felt like it was caving in. She grabbed at it, stuttering, “But I didn’t have a choice, did I? Olivia ran out of meds…” She was freaking out, hands shaking like crazy. Yesterday, Olivia was hurting so bad she OD’d on her pills. Today, with nothing left, she was a mess—crying, begging for someone to do something. And since she couldn’t leave the country, Tyler went to Shallow Bay Area.

Chad’s temper flared the second he heard Olivia’s name. He glared at Caitlin and bellowed, “You’re seriously gonna let Olivia tank this whole family?” Seeing Chad flip out, Caitlin froze, caught off guard. She stammered, “Why are you lashing out at me?”

Chad sneered, his voice pure poison. “Caitlin, are you dumb, or just nuts? You really don’t see why the Hart Group’s been going down the drain?” Carlin stood there, stunned, her lips trembling. “W—why? Isn’t it Stephanie’s fault? She hates us; she’s out to ruin us. I wish I’d never had her—I regret it every day.”

Chad went quiet, his stare turning ice-cold. Hearing her say that even now, Chad lost it. His temples pulsed, veins popping with fury. His face went all blotchy and purple, fists clenched so hard they cracked. “It all kicked off with that crap between Stef and Olivia. Mr. Giovanni’s been hammering the Hart Group lately because we couldn’t take care of Stef these past few years—don’t you get that?” Chad growled, locking eyes with her. And, will she sent Tyler to Shallow Bay Area for Olivia. She’d lost her freaking mind. Now, look—Mr. Giovanni was ticked, and Tyler was laid up, a total wreck in a hospital bed.

Caitlin’s face went pale. She leaned against the wall to keep from falling. “B—but that fight—I told Stephanie everything I was supposed… died…” She’s the one who won’t drop it. What am I just supposed to let Olivia die?” Her voice got sharp, cutting through the room. Caitlin was falling apart, her head a jumbled mess.

When Chad heard her bring up Olivia with that pitiful tone, he hit his limit. His eyes turned bloodshot. He swung his hand up and slapped her hard across the face, too quick for anyone to stop him. The crack rang out, loud enough to make the hallway lights feel like they flickered. The corridor went dead quiet. Chris glanced at Caitlin and Chad, frowning. Caitlin stumbled back from the hit, her cheek turning red in seconds. Her eyes shrank as she stared at Chad, voice shaky. “You—you hit me?” She touched her face, stunned.

Chad gritted his teeth. “You know the kind of weight Sebastian’s got around here. You ditched your own daughter for Olivia—fine. But now you’ve screwed over your son, too.” Caitlin stumbled over her words. “Y—you—Was I the only one who ignored Stephanie?” Thinking about Stephanie, Caitlin’s mind went blank. She slumped against the wall, dizzy.

Yeah, she couldn’t stand Stephanie’s vibe—even as her own kid, she hadn’t treated her right. She knew that. But Chad and Tyler hadn’t exactly been great to her either, she thought, biting her lip. “Who in this family hasn’t messed up?” It wasn’t just her fault—the more she thought about it, the more she felt like the victim.

Chad cut her off, voice cold as ice. “I’m not in the mood to argue this with you. Get out of my face.” He was done with Caitlin—nothing but disgust in his eyes. He turned away. Tyler was the one he’d picked to take over, the perfect choice. Chad had bet everything on him. Caitlin’s obsession with Olivia had trashed everything, and Chad’s anger was raging out of control.

Caitlin just stood there, floored. “You….” Her legs felt heavy, like they wouldn’t move. “Get out. I don’t want to see your face again. You love Olivia so much? Go hang out with her,” Chad snapped, every word sharp and bitter, his teeth clenched tight. He was so done with Caitlin—he couldn’t even look at her without feeling sick. He’d told her a million times: don’t mess with Stephanie, don’t push her buttons. But Caitlin had blown it off like it was no big deal. Now she’d ignored him and got Tyler hurt. Chad’s chest was on fire with frustration.