Crossroads

In the dimly lit bedroom, her trembling hand hastily flicked the wall switch, flooding the room with light as every overhead lamp blazed to life. instantly illuminating the space as bright as day.

Stephanie's face turned pale, her heart still racing, staring blankly at the spot where the bedroom door had been.

There was nothing The dark figure that had been at the door just moments ago had vanished.

The bright lights around her eased her nerves slightly. She took a deep breath, then pinched her thigh hard enough to hum, confirming to herself that she wasn't dreaming.

"Could it be because I was startled from falling into the pool this afternoon!" She wondered if it was all just an illusion Climbing out of bed, she sat rambly on the edge, her expression distant and her heart still in disarray

"Sandra, I'm hungry! Quickly, have dinner brought up here, hurry!" She didn't care anymore; she needed company to bolster her courage. Pressing the service bell, she yelled in a trembling voice with urgency to the other end with Sandra Sandra had been looking after her for over half a year, and it was the first time she'd seen Stephanie so anxious to eat. She rushed in with two maids, carrying the freshly cooked dishes into her room.

"Mrs. Wellington, the chef are making three more dishes. Please take your time..." Sandra acted swiftly, knocking on the door and entering, setting the tableware before urging Stephanie to eat. But she noticed Stephanie curled up on the small sofa, showing no appetite at all

"Don't you like these dishes?" Sandra paused, perplexed by Stephanie's request. Throughout Wellington Villa, everyone was aware of her picky eating habits. Yet, Dominick never voiced any objections, if Stephanie was picky with her food, they could afford to cater to her preferences. As long as it didn't jeopardize the baby's health, even George remained unconcerned.

"Very well, I'll instruct the chef to prepare something different" Sandra decided, turning to leave.

ie's unexpected grip on Sandra's sleeve betrayed her unusual persistence.

Stephanie's Amused by Stephanie's somber demeanor, Sandra couldn't resist a smile. "It's a shame Dominick isn't here to witness you like this tonight... Everyone knew Dominick cherished these moments of affection.From NôvelDrama.Org.

Ignoring the banter, Stephanie kept her head low, consumed by a wave of despair.

Sandra's concern deepened, and her brow furrowed as she addressed Stephanie more seriously. "Mrs. Wellington, you don't look well. Could it be that you caught a chill from falling into the pool this afternoon?"

"Maybe," Stephanie murmured dismally Uncertain of what troubled her, she felt thoroughly unsettled.

Suddenly, the phone on the bedside table rang, jolting Stephanie. She stiffly turned to see the screen lit up.

Stephanie had always been fearless, except for supernatural occurrences like this.

In her youth, the Reed family's attempts to discipline her had failed, resorting instead to ghost stories that left her with lasting psychological Observing Stephanie now, curled on the sofa and ghostly pale, Sandra recognized the fear in her expression.

"Did I you have a nightmare?"

Without a response, Stephanie's gaze remained fixed on the phone, som between curiosity and apprehension. Her mind raced with unsenling possibilities, leaving her hesitant to investigate further.

"It's a text message from Mr. Wellington, Sandra announced, retrieving the phone from the bedside table for her.

Stephanie glanced at it and confirmed it was indeed from Dominick's number.

A strange calmness serted over Stephanie as she took the phone and couldn't help but complain, "Why would he text me at this hour to scare me?"

Sandra chuckled, surprised that Stephanie was so easily startled. Typically, Dominick's attempts to intimidate or scare her were futile. After Stephanie took her phone, Sandra placed a bowl of soup on the table.

Just as Sandra was about to advise her to drink the hot soup to calm her nerves. Stephanie furrowed her delicate brows, set down the phone, and said, "No need for that, I'm going out.

"Right now!" Sandra questioned.

Stephanie's gaze instinctively returned to her phone for another quick look. "Yes, right now, Dominick wants me to meet him at Gordon Hotel. saying it's for a business reception."

Earlier in the afternoon, while they were in the backyard, she couldn't understand the details of his conversation but caught Dominick mentioning someone named Mason on the phone. This so-called business reception was likely related to Mason Mason was the chubby man who inexplicably berated Dominick last time. Was Dominick going there to settle the scores with him!

It seemed odd, though. Regardless of any conflict between Dominick and Mason, he wouldn't usually involve her. "Dominick asked me to come immediately. There must be something urgent. Sandra, please have the driver ready..." Stephanie decided not to dwell on it further. If he truly needed her presence, she couldn't refuse.

"But Mrs. Wellington, the weather..."

Sandra instructed the driver and accompanied Stephanie to the gates of Breeze Villa. The autumn wind was picking up, souling their clothes. accompanied by a drizzle.

"It looks like there might be a heavy rainstorm soon. Mrs. Wellington, you haven't had dinner yet, and you fell into the pool this afternoon. Going out now could easily make you catch a cold. Shouldn't we call Mr. Wellington and let him know about this?"__

Sandra looked up at the thick clouds gathering in the dark sky, growing increasingly worried. It was indeed strange for Stephanie to venture out in this weather.

Stephanie stood tall, squinting as she stared at a sudden flash of golden lightning that illuminated the dark sky for an instant, followed by a numbling of thunder as the clouds rolled ominously.

The wind, carrying raindrops, grew increasingly aggressive, slapping against her cheeks with a chill.

This rainy night seemed to stir something ominous, sending a a shiver through her chest, eerie and unsenling.

The torrential rain cascaded loudly, washing over the exterior walls of Gordon Hotel..

"It's pouring heavily someone remarked.

In the bustling seventh-floor lobby of Gordon Hotel, a business reception was in full swing. Inside the hall, lively music and clinking of glasses t the air, drowning out the downpour outside.

Against the pitch-black sky, a bolt of lightning briefly illuminated the profile of a man standing by the hotel's m glass window His expression was stern and aristocratic, his brows slightly furrowed as he gazed into the distance, somewhat distracted from the festivities inside.

Elled

"Dominick, it seems Mason truly has some tricks up his sleeve. He even O

anticipated our presence tonight.. Vindent approached with a glass of red wine, taking a large sip, clearly in a somber mood.

Mason had turned down the Innovate om Group's investment, blatantly disrespecting Dominick. More importantly, the more Mason refused, the more curious they became about the projects he was involved in.

Hence, Dominick had personally attended tonight's business reception His acquaintances from the business circle were surprised to see Dominick there. They knew he disliked social gatherings, and it had always been difficult to get him to attend any events.

Strangely, Mason showed no surprise. When they clinked glasses, he even dared to taunt Dominick, vowing to make him regret it. Vincent was itching to give him a beating upon hearing such audacity Outside, the rain and thunder mingled in a cacophony...

"There's thunder. I remember Stephanie hates this kind of weather.

At the mention of her name, Dominick's thoughtful expression paused briefly.

"Yeah, she'd probably be holed up at home."