Crossroads

Chapter 266

Stephanie wandered around the neighborhood and eventually sat on a stone bench under the shade of a tree.

She looked up, her expression thoughtful as she gazed at the towering 60–story commercial building across the street. Its sleek black glass exterior reflected the sunlight, and the large silver logo “the Innovate Group” gleamed with an understated elegance.

As if recalling something unpleasant, she lowered her head and kicked at a pebble on the ground.

This apartment complex was only 12 miles away from his workplace. In her haste to move out, she hadn’t considered this. Now, staring at the building, she felt uneasy.

“Should I look for another place! She hesitated.

The location was perfect in every other way–surrounded by restaurants, shops, and commercial streets. This part of the city had great transportation and was super safe. If not for the pending redevelopment plans, this area would probably be just as bustling as the commercial hub

across the street.

“What are you thinking about?” someone suddenly asked.

Whether I should move,” she replied instinctively and paused, turning around in surprise at the two people standing before her.

“Stephanic, I heard you just moved here.” Diana said,

d, her voice low and complex.

Molly had returned, still furning. “You kicked me out this morning, and I was going to leave you to your own devices, but Diana said we help you check out your new home.”

She added, “Oh, and Oscar is here too”

Indeed, a tall figure came over from the hallway behind them. Stephanie looked at these uninvited guests with an impassive face.

“Diana, shouldn’t we be

we be out shopping for the house! Molly asked.

“We should pick up some groceries for dinner and cook a meal at her home, Diana replied.

need

Molly and Diana chatted excitedly, as if they were the ones moving in, even suggesting they buy a small Christmas tree to cheer things up – it wasn’t even Christmas! Molly shoord Stephanie off to run errands while she went upstairs with Diana to check out the room,

Oscar accompanied Stephanie to the nearby supermarket. They walked out of the complex in silence, one behind the other, their footsteps falling in

Watching them, a spark of curiosity ignited within Molly. “How did they used to be together?” she asked Diana. “Was Oscar always so quiet?” Over the past two months, she had surprisingly gotten to know Oscar well enough, but Stephanie had been in a fragile state, so they barely interacted.

Diana, who’d been tirelessly sprucing up the apartment, straightened up and winked at Molly. You’ll see soon enough. The shorter the skirts, the higher the stocks.”

bags of groceries. She also

the

“A businessman on a trip needs a hotel room. His guide takes him to this swanky foreign–style about the cost, but the guide says it’s half the usual price.

for the gossip. She took a bag of fresh groceries from them. Stephanie glanced at her and replied. “Oscar is telling a

blinked, her mind drawing a blank.

guy’s

settled into the living room, and Oscar continued in his calm voice. “The guide told him not to worry, because the place

Then, she nodded as if

Diana with a puzzled expression, “What are

close to money, yet too few people understand it. There are traps everywhere, so

still confused. So, Oscar was trying

glanced toward the sofa

12:12 PM d

Chapter 260

people up” The idea of him forcing himself to tell jokes was surprising Diana smiled, “That’s

They

each other. If she had followed her elders arrangements from the beginning, none of this would have

those two ums at home,

one–bedroom apartment wasn’t big enough, and they didn’t dare to talk abour children, not with Stephanie arounL

The four of them gathered around a small round table, creating a cozy though Oscar felt a bit out

atmosphere.

for this meal. Everyone has their own utensils,” Molly said, knowing his habits from their two months of living together. Previously, they had to separate the ingredients, and the two of them even ate at different times

as she placed a plate of spaghetti in front of

him visbly uneasy. He didn’t like it at

slight frown marred Oscar’s handsome features.

placed some vegetables in front of

tightened as he glanced at his bowl and hack at her.

this, smiling as she urged Molly to start eating. “Don’t let anything go to waste tonight.

After a brief internal struggle, he finally picked up a clean set of utensils and mechanically finished his food with

mixed with his fear of

o watch

more than willing to help if you ask. She remembered Stephanie still felt something

her but remained

sliced up some fruit and brought it out. Oscar had gotten a call

to do about meals from

she’ll just order takeout” Molly chimed in. “Though Oscar did buy her some cookers and she can

and Molly chatted casually, bur Stephanie remained quiet, her gaze drifting towards the window. Dusk had settled, and a few stars twinkled

a moment ago when Oscar was leaving, she had followed him out wanting to say something. But as soon as they were outside the building,

checked it the way you said. This USB drive is too clean, with no prints at all. Not even Matthew’s. It’s been wiped. Someone’s