Crossroads

The Innovate Group's members arrived in a flurry at Central Point's renowned restaurant, which they had entirely booked for the evening. Crystal chandeliers shimmered brilliantly, and everyone entered with excitement. The models from the production team were treated like platinum-level VIP their hearts Cuttering uncontrollably, At 8.30 PM, everyone settled in an orderly fashion. True to its international reputation, the master cher's creations left everyone delightfully indulgent. Glasses clinked amid lively conversations, laughter painting rosy hues on everyone's faces.

"I heard this restaurant entertains guests less than 30 times a year. You can't even get a reservation. And these dishes? They're all exclusive, nowhere else to be found."This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

In hushed tones, they occasionally glanced towards the far left table of the restaurant as excited whispers filled the air. "He's really here!"

Hayley sat at the leftmost table, furrowing her brows. She looked around somewhat displeased, aware of the curious gates directed her way.

Sensing the intense scrutiny from others, the chef at the restaurant exchanged a toast with the man beside him, booming with hearty laughter that resonated deeply.

The chef, not entirely fluent in their la language, queried, "Mr. Wellington, would you like a more private dining area?"

Dominick remained silent, merely lifting his glass and taking a sip.

"Are the dishes not to your liking the burly Fluvieran chef inquired warmly Hayley had been observing Dominick's demeanor all evening. Since entering the restaurant, something about him seemed off. His face remained stoic and indifferent as usual, yet she sensed his distraction.

It was as if he was scanning the surroundings, searching for something.

"Because someone didn't come."

At his table, james cut a piece of steak and gave a thumbs-up to the chef beside him. "Delicious!"

"Some people just don't appreciate what's prepared for them. All the effort wasted because they couldn't be bothered to show up!" The Sery director's face darkened as he recalled something infuriating

"Who are you talking about?"

Naturally inclined towards romance, the chef eagerly inquired in his non- standard accent. "Is it Mr. Wellington's lover?"

Hayley interjected anxiously at the opportune moment, "What about Vincent? Why isn't he here?"

Upon hearing Vincent's name, the chef swiftly changed the subject. "Mr. Hayes, oh yes, why haven't I seen him tonight? Last time in Troton, I lost my luggage and the local police couldn't find it all day. It was thanks to his friend's help that I finally recovered it. I owe him my deepest gratitude."

Vincent's assistant, originally seated at another table, was hastily:

y summoned over to report to the distinguished gathering, visibly apprehensive.

"Mr. Hayes had planned to pick up Ms. Reed from the hotel and join us here. However, half an hour ago, they abruptly changed course and are now en route to Tempa Street in Lonessy. It seems Ms. Reed has a craving for authentic street food from Harlington."

"Oh" Dominick, who had maintained a quiet demeanor until now, suddenly let out a cryptic sound that hinted at hidden meaning The assistant felt a knot of nerves tighten in his stomach.

He hurriedly reassured, his earnestness bordering on pledging an oath, "Everything I've said is the absolute truth."

Silence might have been preferable, for his next words instantly cast a chill over the atmosphere.

Even the Fluvioran chef's companion, typically slow on the uptake, sensed the changes in the air. A sudden silence descended upon the group.

"Mr. Wellington, nice to meet you."

A surprisingly soft voice broke the peculiar silence. Eloise's attire tonight was elegantly understated - a simple white blouse paired with jeans. accentuated by a delicate silver cross necklace. Her subtle makeup and gentle smile underscored her natural allure, a marked contrast to the more stentatious models present.

Hayley instinctively contemplated gently guiding her away, as protocol dictated that Dominick wasn't keen on women approaching him.

However, tonight was different. Dominick didn't resist the company of the striking woman; instead, he gestured for her to join him. Hence, the

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attentive waiter promptly added a seat beside him for Eloise.

James' surprise was palpable, nearly choking on the mouthful of beef he'd been chewing.

Hayley, seated across oss from Dominick, maintained a professional smile, yet unease tinged her thoughts. She couldn't sit next to him, but this model could!

The intimate group occupied the expansive ground-floor lobby for their dinner, so every move and gesture was observed keenly by those around them. Women surreptitiously stole glances, their smiles masking a shift in their inner thoughts.

"How did the advertising shoot go?"

Dominick casually slid the partially filled wine glass towards Eloise, a gesture that seemed effortlessly natural Eloise was genuinely taken aback, struggling to suppress her inner excitement. Her face maintained a facade of calm and a gentle smile as she replied softly. "Our shoot is wrapped up now. As for the final results, no matter what, I believe everyone gave their best effort. I hope the outcome will meet your standards, Mr. Wellington"

These were polite words, but Eloise knew she couldn't match Hayley's finesse. She dared not speak out of turn or make any playful remarks, sticking to the expected script.

To Eloise's astonishment, he personally acknowledged her. "I think I will be satisfied with the results."

Observing their interaction, especially as Eloise's face blossomed with newfound confidence, Hayley nearly tore the napkin on her lap to shreds. e She managed to maintain her professional demeanor. As dinner concluded. Dominick was the first to leave, escorting Eloise out with his arm casually draped around her, leaving Hayley's composed facade crumbling,

"Dominick, the branch office needs you for a video conference tonight," she said abruptly, her tone betraying urgency.

"Postpone it, he replied tersely.

The other women in the restaurant watched them depart, their faces a mix of envy and regret, wishing they had taken a chance carlier.

In that moment, Eloise became a thorn in their hearts, overshadowing any previous reservations they had about Stephanie.

"Mr. Wellington, where are you headed?"

Eloise noticed he didn't summon the driver but instructed the restaurant staff to fetch a black Ferrari with la local car plate. She watched him slide effortlessly into the driver's seat. Crucially, before she could even approach the car, Dominick started the engine.

Attempting to open over her.

n the passenger door, Eloise found it locked. She stood there, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash ov m Even the nearby waiter found the v.e situation peculiar. "Sir, do you need any assistance?" Thinking there might be a problem with the car door, he took a step forward. However, the black Ferrari suddenly accelerated away, leaving behind only a trail of gleaming lights.

There was no response from him, but just the abrupt departure of the Ferrari disappearing from view.

y sneezed loudly.

Meanwhile, Vincent, who had whisked Stephanie away, suddenly

"Are you catching a cold?" Stephanie, seldom showing concern, asked him with an unexpected touch of empathy.

Vincent was somber. He was sure he didn't catch a cold, but he did feel a chill climb up his back.