Crossroads

Chapter 273

“What… What do you want me to do?” Stephanie’s voice trembled as she spoke.

Stephanie glanced nervously at Lucy, noticing a hint of a cryptic smile playing on her lips. Lucy smoothly pulled out a colorful brochure from behind her back and offered it to Stephanie. “I like dealing with straightforward people. Why don’t you start by completing this little task?”

Stephanie cautiously took the brochure. Her eyes widened in surprise as they landed on the familiar logo of “The Innovate Group“.

The company was holding open auditions for a spokesperson for their new product. Participants were required to film a 50–second commercial and had to be fluent in Eldranian, with an outstanding presence. Due to commercial reasons, the product details were kept confidential. The initial auditions were open to all ages and genders.

Stephanie held her breath and looked up at the woman in front of her again. Tve never been a model.”

“Ms. Reed, this is your problem now.”

Lucy’s interest seemed to evaporate. That’s your problem now, Ms. Reed. She turned away dismissively, her attention shifting to the hulking figure sprawled half–conscious on the filthy alley floor.

The disheveled man, hearing her approach, scrambled backward in terror, his eyes wide with fear. He dragged his broken body, crawling backward. clearly terrified of the woman before him.

A scream ripped through the alley as Lucy drove her heel into the man’s dislocated arm. She glanced down at him with a mocking smile on her lips, but what she did was ruthless, as if the man was nothing more than an object.

Stephanie pressed her lips, watching her steadily. Her hand clenched the flyer for the Innovate Group’s audition, tightening her grip silently.

moment, she couldn’t hold back any longer and asked, “Who are you! Are

VOICE

to break through the clouds, casting a gloomy pall over the narrow alleyway. Stephanie’s

look at her. Stephanie shivered

a thick accent, but her tone was very calm and

I know you’ve got friends in high places, but I’d advise you not to try anything funny. People like me have survived

casual like she was talking

since passed out from

burly man’s limbs and stuff him into the trunk of a car, slamming it shut

out the words “What do

looking at her like she was nothing more than a fragile ant, a cruel smirk playing

Lucy drove away.

place, silently watching the direction she left until the car disappeared completely.

remained expressionless. In her hand, she clutched the Innovate Group’s open audition flyer, her racing pulse reminding her that this was all too real.

Andy for

of carbonara in front of them. Molly, eyes wide with surprise, put down her fork. She picked up the colorful flyer

up for the Innovate Group auditions?” Molly asked again, her voice laced with disbelief.