Chapter 120

Chapter 120

Vincent’s lips were tightly pursed, betraying the disappointment in his voice, “I get it.”

Stephanie tried to hold back a laugh, “You get what?”

“Tknow you have to work overtime because the competition is just about a week away.”

Closing the distance, Stephanie batted her eyes at him, “Are you mad?”

“No.”

“Really?”

He let out a soft hum of agreement, “Really, I support your work.”

Stephanie conceded, “I was actually planning to go to the set during the day and come back early in the evening to spend time with you. But since you’re so supportive of my work, I’ll switch with Julianna, she can go to the set, and I’ll stay back at the design studio and work late.”

Vincent caught on to Stephanie’s teasing and set down his silverware to pull her onto his lap, “Little trickster, you’re playing ma?”

With sparkling eyes, Stephanie pinched his cheeks, clicking her tongue in disapproval, “You had the sourest face just now.”

“I’ve missed you so much this week. There’s not a part of me that doesn’t yearn for you.”

Stephanie replied, “It’s only been a week, is it that hard?”

Vincent gripped her wrists gently and moved them downwards, “Of course, didn’t you feel it just now?”

Realizing what he was implying, Stephanie quickly withdrew her hands, her cheeks aflame, “No more talking, I’m hungry. I need to eat.”

She tried to hop down but found herself ensnared tightly in his hold, “One more kiss. Hm?”

His voice was especially tempting, and Stephanie felt herself surrendering to his charm. As his handsome face drew near, she closed her eyes.

Vincent entwined with her a little longer before letting her sit back down on the chair. Stephanie’s face was flushed, her tongue still tingling.

Vincent teased her with a smile, “Don’t you like sitting on my lap?”

Stephanie shot him a glare, “Who wants to sit on a hard seat?”

Vincent’s laughter was low, and his mood was exceptionally good.

They finished dinner and nestled on the couch to watch a movie. Stephanie laid on Vincent’s legs and as the movie played, her eyelids grew heavy, and

non she was whisked away into dreamland.

Gently stroking her soft hair, Vincent’s eyes brimmed with tenderness. It seemed these days had taken their toll on her that Julianna was up to no good! Toiling away with his Stephanie during the day and monopolizing her evenings, leaving him alone in this cold.

If it weren’t for the upcoming competition, he’d have Graham ship Julianna off abroad. Vincent’s thoughts wandered, and with a smirk, he fired off a message in the group chat.

Vincent: [Graham, how’s the taste of loneliness and desperation?]

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Graham: [Sounds like you’ve never tasted that flavor yourselfi

Vincent sent a photo of Stephanie asleep on his legs to the group.

Vincent: [Not lonely, not desperate, not cold. Wanna come over for a drink?

Joseph: is this a not-so-subtle jab at Graham? That’s kinda cold! If you’ve got the booze, I’m therell

Next thing, Joseph was booted from the group chat.

Vincent: Graham, coming or not?)]

Graham stopped replying.

With a satisfied grin on his face. Vincent tossed the phone aside.

Meanwhile, Graham sat alone on his couch, nursing a drink in solitude. Vincent, showing off like that utterly insufferable.

He reached for his phone to call Julianna, but she wasn’t picking up. He scowled slightly, then sent her a message. [Still working?]

After a long wait, there was no reply from Julianna.

Graham tapped the phone against his back teeth before sending another message: [My stomach hurts.]

Twentyn

minutes had passed with no word from her.

Just as Graham was beginning to feel annoyed, there was a beep at the door. Glancing over, an involuntary smile crept across his lips. It looked like Julianna still cared enough to check on him, despite her denials.

However, as the door swung open and he recognized Taylor, the smile on Graham’s face slowly faded. “Sir, your wife called saying you had a stomach ache and asked me to get you some medication. She also gave me the door code.”

Graham’s expression was very unhappy. “I’m fine, you can go back.”

Normally unflappable, Graham’s show of emotion caught Taylor by surprise. Placing the bag down, he said, “Mr. Whitlock, call me if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

Taylor relieved as if pardoned from a dire punishment, quickly made his exit.

Reclining on the sofa, Graham was incensed. Julianna knew how to push his buttons. When she returned, he was determined to give her a piece of his

mind!

Meanwhile, Julianna glanced at the message Taylor sent her, pressing her lips tightly together. [Mr. Whitlock’s got a bad stomachache, but he refuses to go to the hospital.]

phi Not wanting to go to the hospital with a stomachache? He’s just asking for trouble! His problem, not hers. She was busy, after all!

Putting her phone down, she continued the delicate task of tailoring the dress with the designers.

The next day.

Stephanie arrived at the set and, after fitting the actors with their costumes and finding herself with some free time, sent a message to Vincent.

Stephanie: (Are you in a meeting?

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Vincent: [No, I’m thinking of you.]

A smile naturally graced Stephanie’s lips. You always know what to say.

Vincent: Aren’t you thinking of me as well?)

Stephanie: [Nope.]

Vincent: [Then why are you messaging me?]

Stephanie: [!]

Vincent: [The roast turkey at the Spring Pavilion Bistro is delicious, and their pastries are not bad either. Want to go tonight?]

Stephanie: [Sure. I should be done around six.]

Vincent [Good, I’ll pick you up then.]

Stephanie: [OK]

Vincent: [So, do you miss me or not?]

With a playful t n k l e in her eye, Stephanie replied: [I do miss you, a lot.]

“Flirting with your boyfriend?” Madeline approached, a teasing smile on her face.

Stephanie hummed in response, “Madeline, you look a bit off. Are you feeling okay?”

I have periods Talways get terrible cramps. I’ve seen doctors, but there’s never been a surefire cure.” Madeline said.

Stephanie offered her a seat, “Let me take your pulse.”

“That would be great,” Madeline said.

Stephanie had been spot on when she took Megan’s pulse last time, sparking Madeline’s curiosity.

After checking her pulse, Stephanie asked, “Did you catch a chill in the past?”

Madeline had heard similar diagnoses before and tried various treatments with little effect. She had almost given up, thinking she might as well not

arry or have children.

Stephanie’s confident prognosis took her by surprise. Despite her young age, Stephanie radiated trustworthiness.

Madeline nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Stephie.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” Stephanie said.

Soon, it was live in the afternoon.

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Gideon wanted to add a scene scheduled for the next evening to tonight’s shoot and came to inquire about Madeline’s wellbeing.

Madeline wasn’t feeling well but didn’t wish to disrupt the shooting schedule at the director’s request.

After all, a day’s delay could mean a significant financial loss for the production.

Seeing Madeline’s dilemma, Stephanie asked, “Which scene is planned for tonight?”

“it’s a gunfire–laden encounter inside the mansion, with the female lead getting shot in the shoulder, followed by a staged explosion at the entrance,” Gideon explained.

Stephanie frowned, “There’s a lot of physicality required for that scene. With Madeline not feeling well, perhaps we should postpone it.”

Gideon nodded, “Alright then.”

Madeline sipped on

n some black tea, “it’s fine, I don’t like to delay. Better to get it done earlier.”

Gideon persisted, “We can reschedule, if you’d prefer?”

Madeline shook her head. “Let’s just do it tonight.”

After expressing his gratitude, Gideon departed, preparing to commence shooting once the evening fell.

Stephanie glanced at Madeline’s faintly pallid complexion, “Don’t overexert yourself if you’re unwell, really. Everyone would understand.”

Madeline mustered a smile, “I’d rather do it today than manage a heavier schedule tomorrow.”

Stephanie nodded in agreement, “I’ll stay with you then until we’ve finished shooting, before heading off.”

“You have plans tonight, haven’t you?” Madeline asked.

“It doesn’t matter. Megan’s off today, and since the scene’s a bit risky, I’d rather stay and keep you company. Stephanie said.

Touched, Madeline thanked her, “Thank you, Stephie”

“You are welcome.” Stephanie’s eyes sparkled with laughter.

Madeline offered, “I’ll ask Cathy to fetch us some coffee.”

“Perfect,” Stephanie said.

As Madeline exited the makeup room, Stephanie gave Vincent a ring to tell him that she’d be accompanying Madeline for a scene but omitted the potential dangers. She didn’t want to cause him unnecessary worry.

gent, not showing a hint of jealousy, said he’d be there around nine to pick her up.

After rewarding Vincent with a couple of air kisses, Stephanie hung up the phone.

Before they knew it, 8:30 pm rolled around, and darkness had enveloped the sky.

The actors due in the explosive scene entered the grand mansion.

Owing to the scheduled use of real explosives for a controlled blast, the rest of the crew were to observe from outside.

Standing just behind the director, Stephanie scrutinized the footage as it came in.

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