Crossroads

Chapter 100

“Yeah. I’m on my way to the Innovate Group right now,” she said.

The midday sun blazed overhead as a champagne–gold Rolls–Royce glided smoothly towards downtown. Stephanie sat in the back seat, chatting with George on the phone. “There’s a high school reunion next week, and she’s one of our employees.”

“How about Dominick?” George suddenly inquired from the other end of the line.

Stephanie was slightly startled and answered truthfully, “He’s doing fine. He hasn’t had any migraines these past few days.”

Before hanging up, George added, “Since you’re at the company, give him a call.”

‘Call Dominick?‘ Her fingers brushed lightly over the phone screen as she hesitated, staring at his number. Despite her reluctance, she dialed.

With the phone pressed to her ear, nerves fluttered as she wondered what to say. But moments later, she lowered the phone, a hint of inexplicable disappointment in her eyes.

He didn’t

tanswer.

Why had she been so anxious just now? Lately, she felt overly sensitive.

[I’m in the lobby of the Innovate Group. I’m here to have lunch with a friend.] When the car reached the company, she got out and quickly typed a message to Dominick.

Ten minutes passed with no reply. Stephanie didn’t mind much, thinking he was probably busy.

She stepped into the lobby. Last time, she had arranged to meet Molly but missed her, so this time, Stephanie decided to wait in the

company.

As noon approached, employees began to descend for lunch, and the five elevators on the west side grew crowded.

“Molly?” Stephanie called out, spotting a familiar figure in a black business dress by the elevators. Her face lit up.

years since they graduated high school, but Molly looked

department is embarrassing. Don’t bring your family’s debt problems to

sharp, condescending

be

two women who had been arguing turned to

and called out

Molly suddenly looked uneasy and quickly walked away as

just now…” Stephanie watched the hasty steps of the woman, feeling a vague sense of

“She was in our class

Stephanie raised an eyebrow.

wonder she looked familiar. “Is

features more defined, but she still seemed easy

Chapter 100

Molly said softly, linking arms with Stephanie as they left the company together. “My mom caused a scene here this morning. That’s why

remembered that Molly’s mother had remarried when she was young. Her stepfather was

a fine dining restaurant and ordered a

hold back and said, “My so–called brother is getting married, and my mom wants me to give him

really give it to him?” Stephanie

Molly’s stepbrother was a leech. He always indulged in a lavish lifestyle he couldn’t afford and frequently relied on Molly to clean up his financial

smiling bitterly, “He asked for 60 thousand dollars right off the

that kind of money.

six thousand dollars. You know how she is, always favoring my stepfather and his son as if she’s afraid they’d abandon her. She yelled at me, called

looked dejected, picking at her food without

normal not to have savings. What’s with your mom, demanding 60 thousand for a stepson? Does she want you to take

angry expression

in school, Molly’s family issues were a constant. Classmates would gossip about her, but when Stephanie stood up, slapped her hand

even if she could be a

family’s mess anymore. How have you been? How’s your husband?” Molly asked, a sly grin on her face. “Stephanie, didn’t you say he works at the same company as me? What’s

could answer, her phone

a meeting just now.] Dominick

earlier because he was in a meeting. For

spirits a bit.