“He doesn’t want me. He won’t come back,” Olivia sobbed. Chris had been her last hope, especially with everything falling apart in the Hart family. But he’d walked away without giving her a chance to explain.

Catlin was stunned. “What exactly happened?” she asked softly. Chris not wanting Olivia was a huge problem, especially with their current situation. Their so-called friends in high society were nowhere to be found when it mattered most.

Olivia was at a loss. “It’s Stefi, Mom. It’s Stefi again,” she said, her voice barely more than a whisper. “She took Chris away. She already has Mr. Giovanni—so why does she have to take Chris, too?” Her tears fell like rain, and she couldn’t hold back the sobs. “I’ve lost everything. Why is this happening to me?”

When Catlin heard it was Stephanie again, her face turned stormy. ‘It’s her again. Why didn’t I just get rid of her when she was born?’ she thought to herself, clenching her fists. She was furious.

Olivia looked at her mom, feeling like she was on the edge. “I’m about to die, Mom. I can’t hold on much longer.” She knew it was true. Without treatment, she wouldn’t make it.

The room was heavy with Olivia’s despair and Catlin’s anger. Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible, “I’m in such a bad state. Why won’t she leave me alone? She even took Chris away from me.” Her heart was drowning in despair and hatred.

The eight-hour flight was a long snooze for Stephanie. She slept the whole way, tucked into Sebastian’s arms, looking so charming. During the flight, Sebastian couldn’t help but give in to his desires again, despite the risk of waking her. He’d been at it the whole time, and she’d even playfully bitten his shoulder—but he didn’t mind.

The plane jolted as it landed, waking them both up. Stephanie blinked groggily, then snuggled right back into Sebastian’s arms, rubbing her face against his chest. “I’m starving,” she mumbled. She hadn’t eaten much since Richard had taken her away. She’d been too exhausted on the plane to notice her hunger, but Sebastian chuckled softly. “Still starving, huh?” There was a teasing note in his voice.

Stephanie could tell he was overthinking it. She rolled her eyes and playfully pinched his waist. “I’m just hungry,” she insisted.

Sebastian took her hand and kissed her palm. Her skin flushed a soft pink, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. She knew he was definitely up to something.

“I… uh…,” Stephanie stammered, pulling her hand back quickly. She couldn’t help but think how mischievous he was.

Sebastian chuckled and kissed her forehead. “What do you want to eat? I’ll take you out later.”

“Spicy food,” Stephanie replied. Ever since she’d arrived in Long Harbor, spicy food had become her favorite.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, then smiled. “You’re getting easier to please,” he said. In Fiorenza, she’d always been a little princess who had the fanciest things. This was a new side of her.

Stephanie nestled closer. “Is that okay?” she asked, feeling exhausted and in need of a little comfort.

“Of course,” Sebastian said, his voice gentle.

Then he gently pushed her away and stood up. “Come on, get up,” he said, knowing they’d end up stuck on the plane for hours if they didn’t.

Stephanie pouted and dragged herself out of bed. Sebastian handed her a stack of fresh clothes. She blushed a little as he helped her pull on the sweater, guiding her arms through the sleeves. He layered a vest underneath, then helped her into a coat, worrying she might be cold.

“I can do it myself,” Stephanie muttered, tugging at the sleeves.

Sebastian paused, then grinned and ruffled her hair. “Forgot you’re all grown up now,” he said.

Stephanie rolled her eyes. ‘How could he forget? He’s just treated me like an adult one minute, then acted like I’m still a kid the next,’ she grumbled inwardly. She remembered back to her school days, when Sebastian would help her get dressed while she was still half-asleep. No matter how she slept in, she could never seem to wake up all the way.

As soon as she was fully dressed, there was a knock on the door. It was Elliot. “Mr. Giovanni, are you up?” he called. During the flight, Elliot and the crew had kept their distance, not wanting to disturb them.