It was the day of the old Pearson matriarch''s birthday banquet. They were supposed to leave at 2 PM. Stephanie heard a knock and figured it was Dominick, but when she turned, she saw a face she hadn''t expected.
Her expression turned cold as she scrutinized the woman in front of her.
''She must be here looking for him... she thought.
"Dominick left early this morning," Stephanie said curtly, not even bothering with small talk. It was clear that she wanted her gone.
"I know," Hayley replied softly, smiling as ifpletely unbothered by Stephanie''s hostility. "He came to the hospital around seven to help me with my discharge papers... He''s got a lot going on today. You might have to head to Pearson Vi on your own."
Stephanie''s casual tone grated on Hayley''s nerves, especially with the slight edge in her voice.
"Ms. Isaac, Dominick has been your old friend for years. It''s natural for him to care about you..." Stephanie barely concealed her irritation.
"But you don''t need to read into it. No matter how busy he gets, Dominick alwayses back to me." Her tone became more forceful at the end.
Hayley was momentarily taken aback by Stephanie''s confidence and didn''t immediately argue back.
Anyone else who said that would sound arrogant. Who could be so certain of Dominick''s actions? Yet, this woman had the audacity to do so.
''Stephanie... Hayley stood there, her gaze suddenly bingplicated as she looked at thedy of the Wellington family before her. ''What gave her such arrogance?''
Stephanie felt annoyance under Hayley''s scrutiny. She stood up abruptly from the sofa, turning her head, not wanting to meet Hayley''s sharp gaze. Maybe it was because Hayley had spent so much time in the business world even her eyes carried a hint of ruthlessness.
Stephanie noticed that Hayley was wearing a light yellow sleeveless dress with floral prints made of chiffon. It was rare to see her dressed so fresh and bright. She was holding an exquisite gift bag in her right hand as if she had just returned from a high-end shopping center.
"Ms. Isaac, if you don''t have anything else, you can leave now."
Stephanie didn''t want a confrontation. Hayley was friends with Dominick and Vincent, after all, but Stephanie wasn''t fond of Hayley, and she wasn''t going to pretend otherwise.
"Actually, I came here to see you," Hayley said, standing her ground. Her expression was serious. "Stephanie, I know you''re upset about Molly''s departure. I''m sorry about your friend, but thepany has rules. Molly crossed a linest night and Mr. Cuthbert wasn''t happy. We can''t..."
The more Stephanie listened, the darker her expression became.
Using Molly as a scapegoat and then acting like they were doing her a favor was just disgusting!
"Stephanie, don''t worry. I can guarantee Molly''s resignation won''t hurt her career. I can help her find another job...”
"No need."
Seeing Stephanie''s frosty expression, Hayley trailed off. Softening her tone, she offered an exquisitely wrapped gift bag with her usual gentle smile. "Stephanic, please ept this."
Stephanie nced at the gift bag. It was definitely something expensive. But she didn''t care.
"Dominick asked me to buy it for you." Hayley knew she wouldn''t take it and exined like a considerate friend. "I''m the only female friend Dominick has, so he asked me to bring you a little something. Please take it, Stephanie. It''s from his heart."
Stephanie remained silent, a dangerous glint in her eyes as she stared at the ck and gold bag with foreign lettering.
Great, now she wasn''t just annoyed, she was pissed.
Why couldn''t he buy her a gift himself? And why did it have to be from Hayley? Now, she wanted it even less.
"Stephanie, I''ll be honest, I was a bit worriedst night that you might sway Dominick''s decision. I''m relieved you understand thepany''s position. Mr. Cuthbert''s deal is a big one, and if Dominick made a choice based on personal feelings or you..."Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.
Stephanie couldn''t listen any longer. She held back, quickly snatching the absurd gift bag from her hand. "Dominick''s lucky to have such a dedicated employee like you," she said through clenched teeth.
"Yes, I''ve worked my tail off with him for years. It hasn''t been easy."
Hayley felt a bit ufortable when Stephanie took the item so readily, even though it was meant for her. Her tone turned cold and hard as she spoke. "Unlike you, I actually help him with more than just making babies."
Stephanie''s expression immediately tightened.
Hayley, seemingly oblivious to Stephanie''s darkened face, continued with a sneer, "The Innovate Group is a titan, but nopany''s invincible. Even with the Wellington family''s legacy, the Innovate Group has exceeded expectations. Those old-timers should be proud.
"You all see the sess, but you have no idea what Dominick''s going through. Even if you did... You''d probably just sit at home, pregnant and out of the way. Honestly, Stephanie, the best thing you can do is leave him alone.
"Dominick''s life is stressful, you wouldn''t get it."
She wouldn''t get it.
Indeed, she really wouldn''t.
Stephanie stood frozen and remained silent, staring nkly at her.
"Hayley is here too?" The sudden voice from outside broke the strange silence.
Stephanie turned slowly. They had arrived.
"We''re here to pick up Stephanie. We''re heading to Pearson Vi. Hey Hayley, why don''t youe with us..." Vincent said casually.
"Dominick wille to pick me up, no matter how busy he is." That was what Stephanie had said.
Hayley''s expression changed slightly, a hint of embarrassment showing in her usually sharp eyes.
She tried to sound natural and said,
"Nah, I''m not going to Pearson Vi. I still have a headache fromst m night''s drinking. Then, as if a thought just struck her, she turned to the other man, her voice dropping. "If you happen to see him at the party today, let me know, okay?"
"Hmm," Dominick responded without looking up at her.
As soon as he walked in, he went straight to Stephanie''s side. Noticing her cor was slightly askew, he reached out and straightened it with practiced ease.
Hayley''s eyes were drawn to Stephanie''s neck, where faint hickeys were barely visible, a ring sight to her...
"Well, have fun today," she mumbled awkwardly, unable to bear the sight any longer, turning to leave.
Stephanie found it strange that Hayley was now walking away so quickly when she couldn''t get rid of her earlier.
"Ms. Isaac, wait up!" she called out to the retreating figure. "Ms. Isaac,m need to ask you something... Are you really dating Oscar?"
Hayley flinched, hesitating for a moment as guilt washed over her. But she didn''t stop and just kept walking...
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