Crossroads

"Have you found out anything about her background..." A few women were gossiping in the break room at the audition site. One of them suddenly lowered her voice mysteriously. "Don't you think she looks familiar? She was quite popular earlier this year and was even rumored to be involved with the leader from the Innovate Group"

"Shb! Be quiet. Mr. Hayes is coming" The manager gave them a warning look. Three of the final four candidates were professional models and actresses. Usually, they were rivals, always competing against each other. But this time, the event united them against Stephanie.

A handsome man approached them.

"Hello, Mr. Hayes, they immediately dispersed, striking elegant poses with smiles on their beautiful faces, greeting him in unison.

Vincent, ever the gentleman, looked impeccable in his custom-made black suit. He smiled and said, "Thank you all for your hard work Hearing the big boss greeting them so warmly, the women blushed slightly, feeling a bit flustered.

Compared to the aloof figure Dominick, Vincent was more popular among women.

Vincent was famous for being generous with his girlfriends. He never missed giving romantic gifts like diamond jewelry on special occasions. Although he frequently changed girlfriends, everyone knew he wasn't looking for a wife. They parted amicably, with each of his ex-girlfriends receiving a substantial breakup fee, and they could still greet each other with a smile when they met.

But over the years, no woman had received special treatment from Vincent. He seemed to be searching for something, though he didn't even seem to know what it

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"Mr. Hayes, this morning we had a meeting with the Innovate Group's planners. They said we must finish the advertisement before Christmas. So, we agreed that we would complete the shoot faster and better. We'll have all four women go to Harlington for the shoot tomorrow. We'll choose whoever looks best on camera," the assistant reported as she saw Vincent approached. However, Vincent didn't seem too interested. He scanned the surroundings.

He asked. "Where is Ms. Reed now?"

The other three women maintained their composed smiles but were all listening intently, noting that Vincent immediately asked about Stephanie when he came here.

p to standard. She's still inside..."

The assistant responded honestly. "The director said Ms. Reed's movements weren't quite up to Since she wasn't professionally trained, Stephanie encountered many difficulties during the shoot.

"She asked for it!" Vincent's face suddenly darkened as he cursed. The assistant and the others clearly heard him and felt a bit tense. Who was he cursing at?

Despite his harsh words, Vincent instinctively walked towards the shooting set.

"What are you doing here!" Just then, Stephanie rushed out and almost bumped into him.

Having been scolded hard by the director for several rounds, Stephanie was brimming with pent-up frustration. Now, everyone was an eyesore to her.

Seeing her annoyed expression, Vincent initially felt some anger, but he quickly showed a gleeful, mocking smile. He sarcastically taunted her, "If you can't handle it, don't try to compete."

Stephanie knew she was in the wrong and didn't argue. She shot him an angry look and walked away quickly.

Seeing that she ignored him and left heartlessly, Vincent immediately shouted, "Hey, it's raining outside. Do you have an umbrella"

"None of your business. Stephanie, in her high heels, walked with determination without turning back.

Driven by a sense of duty, Vincent found himself following her despite being unwilling He suggested amicably, "Let's have lunch together. My friend just opened a new Carlton restaurant across s the street.

street. I've tried it. It's pretty good."

She was hungry too. As they entered the elevator, she replied sarcastically, "Tm busy. I haven't finished my shoot yet." She needed a quick lunch before going back to work.

He said. "Don') worry about it?

12:23 PM Chapter 276

She said. "I need to get it done."

Vincent, speaking smoothly, said, "Then I'll bring:

g you some takeout."

Stephanie glanced at the rain outside and then at Vincent. "Hurry up. The director only gave me an hour for lunch."

So, Vincent eagerly went off to fetch lunch for her.

Everyone on set was left stunned, unable to hide their shock.

They were all wondering who Stephanie really was.

They think you might be Jessica, after enduring another two hours of work, Stephanie, the novice, finally managed to shoot a scene that satisfied the director. Vincent picked her up in his car, and as they drove, he couldn't resist mocking her again.

Stephanie had never been involved in the modeling and advertising industry before. Although many in the entertainment circle were just pretty faces, she had to genuinely learn the skills to compete with them. Despite the exhaustion, she felt relieved after finishing the shoot.

In a good mood, she didn't bother with Vincent's taunts. Leaning back in the car, she complained, "I know they've been whispering, thinking I'm Jessica. They're really clueless."

Vincent agreed, "Yeah if you were Jessica, there's no way it would take all day to shoot such a simple scene."

Looking at him, Stephanie, unbothered by his snide remarks, calmly mentioned another matter. "Vincent, they also said we're having an affair."

Vincent asked, "What affair?

Stephanie corrected. "Actually, they said we've had multiple. Last time you brought me new clothes to change into at the hotel, they said we were in such a hurry we booked a room"

Vincent slammed on the brakes, his expression complex, and glared at her. “Why didn't you explain to them?"

Stephanie replied, "How can I explain? I can't stop them from gossiping."

Vincent was furious, finally seeing Stephanie for the troublemaker she was, completely unbothered by the rumors. What a nuisance! Stephanie, did lowe you a lot in a past life!" Vincent yelled, losing all composure. "If these rumors reach Dominick, how am I supposed to live? You know how protective he is. Are you trying to get me killed!"

"Is he attending the banquet with Hayley tonight?" Stephanie ignored his anger, herexpression serious as she asked about another matter. NôvelDrama.Org © content.

The Innovate Group's new product launch seemed different from the past. The company placed special importance on this event. Stephanie, not familiar with the business world, only knew that they were flying to Harlington for a photoshoot the next day. Tonight, the company was hosting a party to wish them success.

Vincent, his face dark, tilted his head up in annoyance, refusing to engage with her.

Stephanie continued, "Then tonight, you'll accompany me to the event."

"I'm not going to that boring party," he refused flatly.

Stephanie said, "Then I'll go alone."

Vincent snorted, "Oh, and what identity will you attend as? Dominick's wife, the heir of the Reed family, or pretending to be Jessica?"

If her true identity was exposed, it would be very embarrassing.

Stephanie's face grew serious, and she fell silent. After a while, she spoke vaguely. "I want to tell him something personally Vincent asked, "What is She chose silence again.

After a long pause, she murmured softly, so low that only s she could hear, "I'm afraid even if I tell him, he'll still be indifferent...