Chapter 197: Chapter 280

Chapter 280 “Scoll is with her.”

Oscar escorted Stephanie to the entrance of the residential complex and finally updated her on Molly’s situation, pointing out that there was no need to worry about Molly.

Standing outside the car, Stephanie peered through the window at Oscar’s handsome face and his deep eyes, clear and seemingly holding not secrets.

Oscar appeared unflinchingly comfortable under her scrutiny, meeting her gaze without hesitation.

After a tense standoff of three minutes, Stephanie declared abruptly, “I’m going back,” and turned towards the residential area.

The white Bentley remained parked, silent and unmoving, until Stephanie disappeared from view. Ten minutes later, lights flickered to life in Room 402 of the apartment. Oscar snapped out of his reverie, his eyes momentarily lowered before he started the engine and drove away.

Unaware of his thoughts, Stephanie hurried back to her somber apartment. She swiftly shed the sky–blue off–shoulder evening gown she had worn. earlier. Riding the elevator back up, she encountered several residents who eyed her with curiosity.

After all, few could afford such an expensive outfit in such an unassuming neighborhood Stephanic angrily tossed the dress into a corner of the bathroom and kicked it twice with force, venting her frustration.

“Damn it “Who exactly are you dressing like this for? Who are you entertaining in the hotel room tonight?” Dominick’s voice echoed incessantly in her mind. She reminded herself there were many things to ponder – Lucy, Mason, Matthew. Above all, she yearned to see her children and was willing to endure anything If Lucy hadn’t lied and had indeed found her children, Stephanie wouldn’t need Dominick if he still couldn’t remember anything!

‘Bastard!‘ she cursed.

Stephanie stuffed the expensive dress into a large trash bag, her anger towards the Wellington family blazing in her heart. She wanted to discard it immediately so she wouldn’t be bothered every time she saw it again.

The woman from Room 402 is weird...”

Two elderly women, who had just finished their workout, entered the elevator as they chatted animatedly.

“Yeah, I noticed too. She doesn’t seem to enjoy conversing with others. Bernice, do you think she’s someone’s sugar baby?”

Stephanie lifted her gaze expressionlessly towards them, but they were engrossed in their conversation, completely ignoring her presence.

“Hey, let’s not jump to conclusions here. Besides, whatever she does for a living is none of our business.”

“Yeah, I guess if she’s that pretty, it’s possible she’s being supported by a man. Let’s just hope she doesn’t bring any strange guys back and stir up trouble in our neighborhood...”

She wanted to speak up and clarify, but the elevator dinged open just then. The two gossiping women exited together, leaving Stephanie with a blank expression on her face. There was nothing she could do to stop them, so she just let it go.

She overheard them still gossiping eagerly. “That new tenant in Unit 502 is even more peculiar.”

Then the elevator doors closed, leaving Stephanie alone in the cramped space as the sudden silence filled the air with a chilly emptiness The tenant of Unit 502!

Stephanie’s anger began to shift.

in her own apartment, her anger seemed to dissipate, her gaze drifted occasionally toward the small balcony. According to rumors about this nous apartment, even an average person could climb from the balcony of Room 302 to that of 102 She stood on the balcony, enveloped by the thick night. The moon lay hidden behind a heavy shroud of clouds, leaving the vast, dark sky scattered. with just a few faint stars. Stephanie tilted her head upwards, her gaze fixed on the balcony of Unit 502 If an ordinary person could climb down, she could climb up.

pier 220 What is Stephanie up to?”

Meanwhile, on the fourth floor of the Gordon Hotel, Molly felt awkward in her expensive dress. She was standing alone in a corner, watching elegantly dressed men and women laughing and toasting.

“Ms. Snuggleton, why don’t you grab something to eat? It’s all laid out for you.”

A graceful figure approached her. Scott’s gentle voice carried a hint of teasing as he pointed toward the food area on the left side of the venue.

Molly glared at him with a blank expression. “How can I think about eating right now?”

“If you’re not in the mood to eat, what are you doing here?” Scott’s tone was light, almost mocking Molly’s face remained impassive, unable to retort. She had planned to come and indulge herself, but Stephanie, her inconsiderate friend, had stood her up.

Tm leaving,” she said. feeling dejected. Places for business networking like this just weren’t her scene.

Scott’s displeasure was palpable, his eyes narrowing into slits as he reproached, “Ms. Snuggleton, are you planning to just walk away like this! “You’ve used me, and now you don’t want to take responsibility!”

Closing the gap between them in a single stride, Scott loomed over her, leaving only a mere fist’s distance between their faces.

He leaned in his gaze intense and burning, causing Molly’s cheeks to flush crimson.

“You...you can’t just say things like that.” Molly stammered, her words rushed and uncertain.

Undeterred by her flustered state, Scott leaned in even closer, his voice low and deliberate. Then who pleaded with me to bring you in here just now?”

I only know you, Molly managed to utter, her voice trailing weakly.

“Ms. Snuggleton, Scott interjected sternly, maintaining his proximity. “Do you think I escorted you into this gathering only to have you ditch me? How would that reflect on me in front of others?”

Molly f faltered, struggling to find a coherent response. “Well, L.“”

I didn’t think you would be so ungrateful.” Disappointed, Scott straightened up, his expression a mix of reproach and regret as he regarded her..

Molly’s features twisted with anger and embarrassment, her gaze burning into his retreating figure.

‘Damn it, why does everyone think they can push me around so easily? Molly pondered angrily.

“Ms. Snuggleton, you’re here too?” Hayley’s voice cut through the tension. She was surprised upon seeing Molly with Scott.

Molly was typically easygoing, but finding herself trapped at this lavish affair against her will, she had opted to appease her stomach instead. Piling her plate high with seafood from the nearby buffet, she had settled into a quiet corner, hoping to avoid any unwanted attention – only to encounter an unexpected adversary.

“Hello,” Molly managed, forcing a polite smile as she tried to maintain composure. This was, after all, an event hosted by the Innovate Group, and encountering Hayley was not entirely unexpected.

Yet, as Molly’s gaze shifted to the woman beside Hayley, her calm facade faltered. Chloe, adorned in a form–fitting red gown that curve, left Molly feeling unsettled for reasons she couldn’t quite grasp.

Chloe’s gaze, cool and assessing, bore into Molly with an intensity that made her squirm with discomfort.

Silent and composed, Chloe seemed to radiate an air of confidence and poise that Molly found intimidating.

accentuated every As Chloe remained stoic. Molly’s unease only grew, Setting down her half–filled food tray on a nearby table, Molly scanned the room nervously, desperately seeking an escape or someone to intervene.

“Did you come here with Scott? Hayley’s gaze lingered on Molly’s expensive designer dress, a brand far beyond the reach of an ordinary salary earner like Molly. Her smile seemed formulaic, masking a hint of curiosity.

“Yes,” Molly replied candidly, but Chloe’s stare grew even sharper, causing Molly to nervously press her lips, reluctant to say more.

12:24 PM d Chapter 280 “Go get yourself another plate. Scott’s familiar, cultured voice intervened. Molly looked up gratefully at her employer, sensing a hint of emotional support. However, Scott seemed to treat Chloe and her companions as though they were invisible. Perhaps his earlier insistence on Molly staying was a ploy to provoke his ex–wife?

It made sense why he initially declined to attend this event, only to show up unexpectedly.

Feeling like a pawn in their game, Molly’s spirits sank, especially as she watched Scott help himself to a large plate of cheese lobsters.

Frowning almost instinctively, Molly chided, “Hey, you have a stomach problem. You shouldn’t be eating so much seafood?

“The pasta at home was too salty. You want me to starve?” Scott didn’t even look up, seemingly genuinely hungry as he elegantly savored his meal, disregarding the ladies around him.

Hayley, standing nearby, hesitated to say something but Scott’s demeanor made it clear he wasn’t interested in engaging with them. She felt awkward, especially as Chloe’s expression darkened noticeably.

“Scott, can I have a word with you? Chloe has something she wants to discuss together, Hayley finally ventured despite Scott’s apparent indifference.

Ignoring Hayley’s attempt, Scott promptly stood up, grabbing Molly who looked bewildered. Your home–cooked meals are still the best. Make me some when we get back,” he directed as they left.

Molly wasn’t naive. Scott was clearly ignoring Chloe, and she obediently followed his lead “Are you really not going back?” Molly couldn’t help but ask as they exited the main hall.

She had seen the hesitation and reluctance in Scott’s eyes. He must still love her, right?