Crossroads

Chapter 179

“If I weren’t Oscar’s girlfriend, he wouldn’t even look at me…” These words were filled with resentment but also helplessness.

Chloe, sitting across from her, raised her eyebrows in surprise. She had known Hayley for years, and it was unexpected to hear such words from someone so rational.

So, Hayley loved him, and she loved him deeply.

“Hayley, have you ever thought that you’re actually pushing him further away by doing this…”

Chloe suddenly thought of her own issues and smiled self–mockingly, her tone turning serious, “Over the years, you’ve entered Dominick’s circle, and George and Mary have good feelings toward you, especially since introverted Yvonne relies on you. But all of this is because you’re known as Oscar’s girlfriend. This identity means that even if Dominick were to fall for you one day, you and he could never be together.

“Dominick would never take his buddy’s woman. By doing this, aren’t you just…”

Hayley felt sad. Chloe had hit the nail on the head. She suddenly stood up from her seat, staring out the window into the distance.

“I didn’t think that far.”

When they were studying abroad, Dominick was dazzling. There were always so many pretty girls trying to get close to him, boldly and openly trying to learn more about this man.

“At least now, I get more of his attention than a stranger would.” Hayley’s whispered words seemed to comfort her, yet they were also mocking.

That’s true. Dominick has always been aloof with any woman.”

Chloe picked up a fork from the table and casually ate some pasta. But then, as if something had occurred to her, her face darkened, and she raised her voice. “By the way, what about Stephanie? How is she getting along with Dominick…”

Hayley looked at the beautiful, twinkling lights in the distance, her expression tense and unpleasant.

She had worked so hard, but Stephanie had

“Stephanie…”

corner of Pearson Villa’s banquet hall. Suddenly, she felt someone staring at her from the left side. She immediately stood up

was a violin ensemble. The low, gentle music, the clinking of glasses, and the cheerful

moved through the crowd carefully, not daring to take big steps. She walked with her head slightly lowered, as she was not in a

mood.

had been ridiculed by Oscar’s uncle. Usually quick–witted, she found

nephew, that autistic fool, is not worthy

is not a fool! He just doesn’t talk much.” She had reacted impulsively, almost reflexively defending

sneered at her words, his tone filled with resentment. “What? You are still used to helping and protecting him, right? Are you genuinely good to him, or are you just bored and treating him as a joke? Don’t forget, the one who hurt him the most was

tightly together. She

too scared and lashed out in

always wanted to apologize to him…” she said and looked down, her voice

to

“Oscar?”

from Pearson Villa’s inner hall. Someone muttered in a sharp voice and then disdainfully cursed, “Who’s such a buzzkill? Today is supposed to be a

she recognized the familiar, harsh

front of her initially looked confused when they saw Stephanie. Teresa quickly recognized her,

who always ran to our house.” Wendy’s sharp voice was full of venom, and

harsh.

family elders decided to let Oscar return to the family. Oscar’s biological mother

he was

over often because Oscar never talked back when scolded, never resisted when he got hurt, and didn’t cry when locked in the storage room or car trunk, even if he was starving or scared. He just stayed quiet, indifferent to

had a

glared at the heavily made–up women. “You promised that Oscar would be part of the Pearson family, which means he has a right to inherit the company. What nonsense

second daughter’s husband would handle procurement. All the shares and workers were controlled by them, and they never mentioned Oscar, as if

what we do with our family