Crossroads

"Stephanic, what did you do to them!"

It was dinner time around eight o'clock. After the director briefly outlined tomorrow's schedule, everyone gathered on the third floor of the hotel for a buffet. However, it was clear that Stephanie was being excluded Vincent exchanged pleasantries with the producer and director types before making his way to a corner where he found her sitting alone, engrossed in her meal.

"What outrageous thing have you done this time?"

The other models were clearly in agreement.

Stephanie found the hotel buffet unappetizing and set her utensils down. Dubbing her mouth with a clean napkin, the nonchalantly explained to Vincent. They were discussing Dominick's bedroom skills and performance. I thought. I'd join in for a deep dive, but they walked away."

Vincent was stunned, utterly dumbfounded by her revelation.

Everyone present could see that Stephanie was clearly associated with Vincent, and no one dared to vent their frustrations on her, except for the big-shot director. "Married people should watch their behavior. This is just ridiculous," he harrumphed Stephanie narrowed her eyes at the pompous director and let out a sarcastic hum as she strolled past him with exaggerated nonchalance, her expression twisting in response Vincent, normally good-natured and accustomed to dealing with eccentric directors, paid no mind to the gossip. He turned his attention to Stephanie, worried she might explode with emotion due to low blood sugar or lack of food.

To divert her attention, Vincent swiftly concocted a fake story. "Rumor has it, that director wears the cuckold's horns thanks to his wife. He's got some twisted psyche. He leaned in mysteriously, making it sound as real as possible.

Stephanie pondered for half a second before remarking. "He deserves it." Emily int Initially, she had wanted to inquire about the familiarity of the big-shot director, James Langdon, possibly having visited the Wellington family in the past, although she wasn't entirely certain.

The following day, their schedule remained tight However, the good news was that by 4 p.m., even Stephanie, who had been lagging, had completed her shoot. With a wave of James' hand, they were finally finished..

"This shoot feels strange. They said they'd only choose a 50-second segment for the final ad, yet they had us rehearse multiple scenes. It's unusual,"

someone remarked.

In the afternoon, after everyone wrapped up, they hurried back to the hotel to shower and change into fresh clothes. They gathered at the hotel restaurant to relax, drink coffee, and chat.

"Why are they making all of us so tired? They should have chosen the final cast long ago. This feels like we're just running alongside, complained a tall woman in a black dress. Despite the cold, she chose to wear a piece that she loved.

"Eloise, you always have the latest scoop. What's the deal now?" The woman's tone dripped with disdain.

"Are they really going to make the three of us play second fiddle to that bitch? Who does she think she is? She's just someone Vincent has toyed with! It's really annoying

"Mr. Langdon is still editing the clips, so how would I know?" Eloise, who seemed unconcerned about the shoot with the highest ad score, pressed her lips and smiled. "As for news, I do have the latest scoop...

"The CEO of the Innovate Group happens to be in town on business. The subsidiary's person-in-charge has booked a very famous restaurant, and they're inviting us to Central Point for dinner tonight"

The other women at the table couldn't contain their excitement and eagerly asked. "You mean Dominick? We get to see him tonight"

As gossip heated up on one side, confident footsteps approached from the direction of the elevator. The woman smiled confidently, announcing. Tonight, the Innovate Group Invites all of you to dinner in Central Point. We hope you'll grace us with your presence"

"Ms. Juaa!"

"Ms. Jaat, nice to meet you."

Bring savvy individuals, they immediately rose from their chairs, displaying a standard smile and trying to please Hayley Chapter 253

"Ms. Isaac, I didn't expect to meet you in person here. It's truly a pleasure of mine."Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

Several women quickly gathered around a table. Hayley, the primary overseer of the new product line, flying in personally to inspect was not unexpected. Whether genuinely pleased or not, everyone wore smiles, keeping a harmonious atmosphere.

Stephanie had just arrived at the restaurant to grab a bite when she unexpectedly encountered Hayley. Her reaction was one of surprise rather than joy.

Throughout their brief encounter, she maintained a tense expression while brushing past them. Hayley clearly did not appreciate her presence, and the models and assistants seemed equally reluctant to engage, treating her as a stranger.

The group definitely wouldn't miss such an opportunity to curry favors with Hayley, constantly praising her for everything.

"Your skin is amazing! We models fly everywhere all the time, messing up our sleep schedules. We rely on skincare products to cover up our flaws, but you're such a born beauty."

"Yeah. Ms. Isaac With your high education, strong capabilities, and such beauty, we really envy you."

Despite Stephanie intentionally keeping her distance, she could still hear them clearly, which made her feel nauseous.

However, theur admiration for Hayley seemed somewhat genuine. Given the quirks of the Wellington family's young master, who detested women clinging to him, Hayley's ability to get along so well with him indicated her savvy nature.

For the women. Harlington was a shopping paradise, offering a variety of international jewelry, fashion, and cosmetics.

When visiting Harlington, everyone would bring some gifts back for their friends because it would be a waste not to do so.

Stephanie was always socially awkward among women. She had just taken a small bite of mousse cake when she noticed the women around her frantically making phone calls, already planning to hit the commercial street for shopping after dinner.

Hayley was also on her phone, video chatting with her close friend, Chloe, on WhatsApp. Stephanie instinctively grabbed her phone and dialed Molly's mumber as she briskly walked out of the restaurant.

"Molly, do you want a souvenir?" She was as direct as ever.

Molly, who was thrifty and practical, sighed. "Harlington isn't a woman's heaven; it's downright evil and is a place for rich women only! Don't buy me anything. Save some money, as you still have rent to pay"

Perhaps hearing Stephanie's phone conversation, Hayley looked up as she passed by, fixing her intense gaze on Stephanie.

Stephanie also turned her head instinctively, and for a moment, both women's expressions turned icy cold, showing no signs of friendliness.

Seizing the moment.

t one of the women leaned in close to Hayley's ear, her smile mocking. "She was bragging yesterday about m steeping with Mr. Wellington. We just let her be because anyone can say such nonsense, but it's really annoying!"

The last part was said without any secrecy, allowing Stephanie, who had already walked away, to hear it loud and clear.

Hayley remained seated at the table with them, but her smile seemed forced now.

By half past seven in the evening, everyone from the team had already depared for Central Point, the place considered to be the busiest area in Harlington.

Everyone was excited about the trip, but Stephanie sat out of it

She decided to stay back in her hotel room. Sitting cross-legged on the large bed, she looked at her laptop screen as it repeatedly played back the recent shooting techniques. In her right hand, she held a packet of cookies, munching away with little regard for decorum.

Who would want to go anyway? It would just attract unwanted attention. Besides, the food here didn't quite suit her tastes, so Stephanie was content to fill her stomach with cookies,

"Why didn't you come!"

Unexpectedly, James called her, his voice filled with anger as he yelled, "You're so picky and causing so much trouble. The food is served, so hurry up and get over here!"

Even after the call ended abruptly, her mind still couldn't quit muttered to herself, "Who told him I was a picky eater?"

quite process what had just happened. After a long moment of stunned silence, Stephanie