Crossroads

Chapter 292

Eloise’s face darkened. She couldn’t believe Stephanie was using such a confrontational tone with her, especially after putting up with her antics for so long during their previous advertisement shoot. “What a joke, acting all high and mighty. If you can’t find a reference, just admit it.”

Stephanie didn’t want to argue with her and turned to leave.

“Ms. Reed is so beautiful and elegant. How could someone like her be turned away? I think I’m qualified to be her reference. Ill help her get the card, Simon Gower said.

Stephanie didn’t recognize the man standing before her. He looked in his forties, dressed in high–end casual wear, and had the vibe of a businessman freshly returned from overseas.

“Mr. Gower, you’re indeed one of the top ten outstanding businessmen. You’re too kind. With a fawning smile, Jack didn’t wait for Stephanie’s response. He snatched her bag and handed her ID to the counter.

The Innovate Group’s business was extensive. Besides the fierce competition among female models for advertising, there were many large projects. One of the recent ones was in collaboration with Simon Gower. To ensure the smooth progress of future projects, they needed to curry favor with the client.

Stephanie was disgusted by their practices, but when she saw the receptionist swiftly entering her information into the computer, she gritted her teeth and muttered, “I’ll pay the 60 thousand myself.”

It felt like she was cutting a piece of her flesh. It was excruciating

She thought, Why does that deadbeat Dominick have to charge so much for a membership card? And on top of that, they charge for other services too.

Stephanie’s beautiful face twisted slightly in frustration. Maintaining a gentle smile and exuding refined charm, Simon watched her closely, curious about her anger.

With this new wealthy patron around, Eloise flashed her trademark supermodel smile and acted like she knew him well. “Mr. Gower, Steffi is new to this industry. She’s a bit shy and reserved. Please bear with her. If she makes any mistakes, I hope you’ll forgive her.”

and reserved?‘ Stephanie widened her eyes in shock. It was the first time anyone had ever described

amusing. His gaze stayed on her profile, smiling with interest as he asked, “Ms. Reed, what was

Stephanie didn’t shy away from Simon

tossed her wedding ring into a drawer. This gig with Innovate Group’s ad shoot marked her first serious- attempt at finding a job. She had always talked about

her even

taken aback and asked in disbelief,

Mr. Hayes then?” Eloise couldn’t resist gossiping. She thought,

rumors about her and Vincent, and Stephanie hadn’t bothered to clarify, partly out of a

she was about to clear things up for Vincent when the receptionist interrupted their conversation, “Ms. Reed, according to our records, you are already

Stephanie. “How could

sensed Simon’s peculiar gaze. Realizing her own gaffe, Eloise quickly

forced smile. “I mean, does your record show

computer screen before looking back at them and replying politely. “There is no record of

that.”

say anything? Why put on an act?” Jack

her.

“It seems I was

immediately plastered a sycophantic smile. “Mr. Gower, Ms Reed is a bit slow. She’s just clueless. Please don’t blame her. She didn’t mean anything

she could clearly hear them disparaging her. She wanted to retort, but the truth. was she had no idea who

underway. Groups of three or five people were

The men and women gathered

behavior. It was more like an elite

you’re really something. You are married and still managing to

a cocktail. Her words carried a hint of admiration.

I are just friends,” Stephanie replied, deflecting the question as she accepted

wasn’t particularly hostile towards her and laughed. “Are you kidding me? Is this your first time socializing? With the way Vincent treats you, and you call that just friends? Who would believe that?

explains it. Maybe he’s just curious about you because