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.

had been almost seven years since they graduated

in the same department is embarrassing. Don’t bring your family’s debt problems

sharp,

no need to be so

an outsider had intervened, the two women who had

recognized her and called out

uneasy and quickly walked away as if she

now…” Stephanie watched the hasty steps of the woman,

was in our class back

Stephanie raised an eyebrow.

she looked familiar. “Is she picking on

once round and soft face had matured, her features more defined, but she still seemed easy to

Chapter 100

softly, linking arms with Stephanie as they left the company together. “My mom

that Molly’s mother had remarried when she was young. Her stepfather was harsh, and her mother always sided with him, often unjustly disciplining

a fine dining restaurant and

back and said, “My so–called brother is getting married, and my

really give it to him?” Stephanie was

always indulged in a lavish lifestyle he couldn’t afford and frequently relied on Molly

“He asked for 60 thousand dollars right off the bat. I’m not some rich

that kind of money.

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 me selfish, and said that

at her food

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

angry expression made

in school, Molly’s family issues were a constant. Classmates would gossip about her, but when Stephanie stood up, slapped her hand on the desk, and silenced the room, it showed her

Stephanie’s honesty and lack of ulterior motives, even if she could be a bit dense at

family’s mess anymore. How have you been? How’s your husband?” Molly asked, a sly grin

answer, her phone vibrated

meeting just now.] Dominick

he hadn’t answered earlier because he was in a meeting. For some reason, seeing those words lifted

spirits a bit.