Crossroads

Stephanie's expression turned cold instantly as the faced the man before her.

"Kevin, what are you doing heie?" she demanded, her voice full of disgust.

Kevin didn't answer, instead, he surveyed her with a strange intensity.

He didn't know that Stephanie had been living in such a cramped and rundown apartment with her aunt, a place even worse than the servant quarters at Nelson Villa During their three years of marriage, Stephanie had never asked him for money. Suddenly, Kevin realized he had never really looked at her properly.

Stephanie stood at five feet six, with a model's figure and a face that outshone Claire's with its delicate beauty

"Kevin, you're not welcome herel Feeling his eyes on her, Stephanie felt a wave of disgust, her voice cold as she commanded, "Give the key back!" She knew this key was given to him by her aunt.

"Steffi, your aunt told me to take good care of you when she gave me those keys." Kevin's gaze deepened with emotion as he looked at her.

"What kind of act are you putting on now?"

Stephanie didn't want to see him and sharply rebuked him, "Get out, this shabby place isn't fitting for you, Mr. Nelson."

Kevin felt somewhat guilty as she scolded him.

He had grown accustomed to her being submissive over the years, and hearing her icy voice left him with mixed feelings.

Suddenly, he remembered she had gotten married to Dominick, and the feeling in his heart became even more indescribable.

"Is it because you'

I've climbed up to Dominick that you think you can speak to me like this?" Kevin felt jealous suddenly.

"Why do you think Dominick married you? Think you magically climbed the social ladder, huh? Dominick just came back to take over his company. Right now, he's locked in a power struggle with my mom and the rest of them. You're nothing but a tool for him. Once the baby's born, he's kicking you to the curb. Then you'll be nothing, just a joke to everyone else."

Stephanie held back her anger, gritted her teeth, and hissed, "Are you done? If so, get the hell out of here!"

She couldn't take it anymore and stepped forward, grabbing his arm and snatching the keys away Just as Stephanie was about to push him out the door, Kevin suddenly pulled her into his arms.

"Steffi, I know you're upset, but this is for the best. Look, ook, I'll give yo

600 thousand dollars. You and your aunt can start a new life, somewhere better."

Stephanie struggled in a vain attempt to break free from his grasp.

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway...

"What's going on here?"

Claire's shrill voice cut through the tension as she hurriedly latched onto Kevin's arm, separating him from Stephanie.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

She noticed he was still looking at Stephanie and felt anxious.

Claire clung to Kevin's arm and sweetly urged, "Kevin, darling, didn't you say you had prepared 600 thousand dollars for her to leave? Her family is so poor, I'm sure she needs the money."

She took out a pre-written check from Kevin's wallet and slapped it on the table.

Stephanie glanced at the 600 thousand dollar check on the table, then let out a bitter laugh.

"Claire, no matter how poor I am, I'm still better than an ungrateful wretch like you."

Hearing this, Kevin instinctively defended her. "Stephanie, stop am targeting Claire If you're mad, be O mad at me. She's a good woman, and it's generous of her to even suggest this."

Stephanie snatched the check from the table. "Kevin, you really think you can get rid of me with money?"

Then, she tore the check into tiny pieces, flung them into the air, and watched as they scattered messily across the floor.

"Do you know why I hate her so much, Kevin? You know nothing it's been three years, and you don't even know about my personal life because you never cared! You just don't!

"You never wanted to know who I really am, right? Well, let me tell you now, this is who I am!" Her voice was cold as she said.

Before he could react, she suddenly spun around, her back against his chest. Her hands swiftly gripped the front of his shirt and the belt around his

waist...

With a twist of her hips and a powerful surge forward, she executed a perfect judo throw, sending him flying.

Then, Kevin slumped on the ground with a loud thud.

"Kevin, I won't be a fool anymore. Don't mess with me again!"

Kevin lay sprawled on the ground, eyes wide in shock as he stared up at her.