Cross Roads

That afternoon, Dominick had his men scour en scour the area s area several times, but Stephanie was nowhere to be found.

Even Scott was baffled. "She was right here. How did she sneak away!" But seeing Dominick's stony silence and the unnerving look in his eyes, Scott thought better of saying anything more and went back to work, pretending nothing had happened.

Meanwhile, Gary had regained consciousness at the hospital. It was confirmed that he had paralysis on the left side of his body and could no longer manage the company's affairs. But he seemed calm, as if the illness had made him see through a lot of what had happened in the past.

"We're only got one stomach and one mouth," he said. "How much can we really eat or use? We've had our share of good times. There's no need to chase after more money. Don't worry about the company now! DO to the Sumantha often sat by his bedside, mumbling these words, seemingly trying to comfort her seriously ill son or perhaps reminding herself. Diana stayed behind to look after them. Samantha's change of heart and Gary's determination in the face of his paralysis touched her deeply. She brought shomemade soup and carefully poured half a bowl. “Drink ssoup first to settle your stomach. Later, you need rehab department for recovery training. The doctor said that with active rehabilitation, your condition will gradually improve..." Although Gary was still physically weak, his spirits were much better, and his mind was clear. He didn't reach for the soup Diana brought over. Instead, he suddenly looked toward the door of the hospital room Diana followed his gaze and noticed someone standing outside the door. However, the person didn't cin, only cracked the door open slightly.

Confused, Diana set the bowl on the nightstand and went to investigate.

That's weird..." Just as Diana approached, the person turned and hurriedly left.

She was about to chase after, but her attention was caught by a small trinket left at the doorway. Glancing at the silver necklace glinting in the light, she looked up again at the figure hurriedly leaving.

It was Courtney? Diana bent down to pick up the familiar silver necklace. It was the sone Courtney had thrown away that day at Reed Villa She didn't hesitate and handed the necklace back to Gary. "I think she cto apologize. This wasn't her intention." Diana was gentle and kind, a world apart from Courtney and Madison, who chased their desires with a fiery passion that sometimes bordered on ruthlessness. It was no wonder their paths in life diverged.

The world wasn't entirely black and white, right or wrong. It was just different choices made by different people. Gary weakly took over the silver necklace. This time, he didn't grip it tightly but let the necklace slide through his rough palm and drop to the floor.

Diana looked at him with a bit of surprise, but Gary said nothing. He lowered his head and continued sipping his soup.

Meanwhile, Stephanie was in the doctor's office, discussing smatters with the attending physician in charge of her rehabilitation.

Suddenly, Molly rushed in from the elevator, her voice laced with urgency Stephanie, I think I just saw Courney!" Stephanie turned around, glancing at her with a slight frown as if she were pondering something, but she didn't ask any questions.

Molly walked over and raised her voice, looking more sincere this time. "Really, I saw her running down the stairs....." "Hmm." Stephanie responded nonchalantly.

Molly felt that Stephanie had been daydreaming a lot lately. Maybe something was bothering her.

"Scott said that Courtney was detained for slegal matters and needs to cooperate with an investigation, Molly continued. "By the way, did your know Jessica is now wanted' Apparently, she fled abroad. It's all because Claire had a mental breakdown and crashed her car into us. They found out Jessica had given Claire sillegal drugs. The police uncovered that Jessica was involved with an underground group... What a scandal" "Jessica?" Stephanie repeated the name, feeling a distant sense of unfamiliarity.

Molly, noticing Stephanie's blank expression, burst out, "Jessica got what she deserved. She was never one to play nice, always stirring up trouble behind people's backs, thinking she was so smart.

But then again, if she hated someone so much and they couldn't even remember her name. It was kind of pathetic, 11:20 AM d Chapter 353 Thinking about it this way, Molly felt that all of Jessica's efforts were in vain.

"Oh, and guess what? I heard Claire got out of the mental hospital and agreed to divorce Kevin. Molly's voice rose with excitement. "You think she's up to something? Watch your back if you run into her again." Stephanie, in contrast to Molly's fiery indignation, remained cool and collected, "Molly, why are you getting so worked up?" Two figures slowly approached them. The one in front, Scott, had his eyes fixed on the excited girl, teasing her on purpose.

Molly's face fell the moment she saw saw Scott, like she'd just bumped into her worst e worst enemy. Her eyes filled with fear as she quickly ducked behind Stephanie, feigning innocence.

Seeing her act so timid, Scott felt quite displeased.

Vincent, standing behind Scott, smirked. "Ms. Snuggleton, Scott's just saying you're a bit too eager. You're more worked up than Ms. Reed. She is the one really involved, but look at her, cool as a cucumber." "What do you know? Mind your own business!" Molly retorted, poking her head out to shout at Vincent Vincent rolled his eyes, and his face darkened in frustration.

He was trying to cup with a witty comeback, but before he could, his buddy beside him scoffed, "Vincent, you're just like her.

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Vincent had snerve to say that. It was unbelievable.

"You're turning into a real queen, Stephanie said, taking the signed agreement from the doctor and giving Vincent a playful smack on the head. He was the biggest gossip of the bunch. "Do you guys have any decency? I'm just trying to be kind and full of love. I run errands for you all the time, and you don't even appreciate it. You guys are ungrateful," Vincent said, feeling genuinely hurt.

o'm "You just had nothing to do." Stephanie concluded. She then turned and walked towards her father's ward. Scott and Molly exchanged amused looks and followed her into the room. Vincent stood there, frustrated, watching their retreating figures.

Those so-called friends were really heartless.