Chapter 162
Stephanie was wary of Megan’s character. Thus, she was undeniably repulsed by her attempts at being close to her. She calmly pulled her arm away from Megan’s “Have a look at your gown
The resentment Megan harbored toward her grew upon sensing her coldness. Nevertheless, she held expert control over her facial expressions and smiled. “Sure.”
Stephanie opened the exclusive box containing the gown and presented a foldable clothing rack that she easily assembled.
Just then, Selena and Madeline helped Annabelle downstairs, who smiled kindly. “I was just chatting with Selena and Madeline about your likes so I could give you a gift at the reunion party. What a surprise
The gowns were ready just in time so I brought them over for you all to try on. I can still modify whatever doesn’t fit well three days before the banquet Stephanie returned the smile. She removed the dresses from the box and hung them on the rack. There were two gowns for each individual and eight in total.
Madeline took Stephanie’s arm. There is a yoga room downstairs. Shall we try them on there? It’s too troublesome to go upstairs”
Everyone agreed and headed there together.
The housekeeper followed behind them while pushing the wheeled clothing rack,
Upon reaching the yoga room, Stephanie helped them change into their gowns. Their identical since it was less than ten days since they were taken. Although Annabelle had a thick waistline, the gown’s design
measurements remained more or less. concealed her flaw. “Stephie, won’t you customize all my dresses from now on!” She was overjoyed.
Stephanie agreed, “Sure, but it won’t be cheap
“How much?” Annabelle smiled and patted her hand.
“You need to have a meal with me each time I customize a dress, Stephanie declared.
Annabelle laughed boisterously. “In that case, I’ll try to live a few decades more so you will eat with me daily. I’m fond of you girls. Unfortunately, Madeline and Meg often film abroad, so I barely spend time with them. You can keep me company often if you remain in Jaraster permanently. Stephie, call me Grandma Annabelle instead of Mrs. Jimenez
Stephanie was about to concur when Madeline interrupted, “You can’t change your term of address before paying” “Shall I do so now?” Annabelle blinked mischievously.
Selena smiled helplessly, “I suppose three days won’t make much of a difference. Why not stay for lunch, Stephie?”
Madeline put her arms around Stephanie’s shoulder. “That’s right. Let Suzanne cook whatever you want. Her cooking is phenomenal. I gained six pounds while staying at home.”
I’ve also put on one kilogram recently.” Megan chuckled.
Stephanie nodded and accepted the invitation.
Megan asked Stephanie what her favorite dishes were so Suzanne could prepare them. Once Stephanie listed them out, Megan left the yoga room. Alas, the smile on her face disappeared once she turned around. Her eyes were now full of malice and cruelty as she detested Stephanie and the Jimenez family deeply.
That worthless Horace couldn’t even disfigure Stephanie with such an opportunity. What a loser! she thought. No one in the Hayes family was resourceful enough to help her.
10.54 Mon Oct 7
The Hayes family had intentionally approached her at a party shortly after Megan realized she was not part of the Jimenez family. Of course, she wasn’t willing to acknowledge them. After all, the Hayes family was inferior to the Jimenez family in all ispects and wasn’t good enough to adopt her. The snobbish Matilda and Horace’s sly and pretentious behavior made her dearly wish for their immediate death
While she initially intended to murder Stephanie, she didn’t expect her to go abroad. She’d assumed her threat was eliminated as according to Matilda, Stephanie wouldn’t live long after donating her heart to Florence. Yet, what happened next had gone completely out of her control. The foolishness of the Hayes family had almost marked her end.
Megan wouldn’t have allowed Stephanie to survive and go abroad if she had known this would happen. For the
Past few days she’d been entertaining thoughts of poisoning the Jimenez family to death during her sleepless nights. However, she wouldn’t be spared if such a thing occurred. She couldn’t do anything before the reunion party, or else, she’d be a prime suspect. Moreover, she was being threatened and was in a heightened state of anxiety. ‘Why is the Jimenez family so fond of Stephanie? Is it really because they’re biologically related? Stephanie should die, so I’ll forever be the fifth daughter of the Jimenez family, then she pondered viciously.
Suzanne’s cooking was as tasty as everyone claimed. Therefore, Stephanid couldn’t help asking her for some cooking tips. Suzanne led her into the kitchen and enthusiastically taught her how to make beef stew.
Stephanie paid special attention throughout. “Ms. Hayes, you do slightly resemble Mrs. Jimenez. No wonder she and Mrs. Annabelle Jimenez are so fond of you.” Suzanne sighed.
“Really?” Stephanie’s hand paused while chopping the vegetables.
Suzanne nodded. “Especially your eyes and brows!”
Stephanie smiled faintly. “Perhaps it’s fate
Megan gritted her teeth as she stood by the kitchen door and tumed to leave.
Once the beef stew was ready, Suzanne packed it into a vacuum flask and handed it to Stephanie. “Do visit often, Ms. Hayes.) There are plenty more recipes I could teach you.”
“Sure. I’ll drop by often. I’m just slightly embarrassed about leaving with my hands full, Stephanie admitted
Suzanne laughed. “We’re glad to have you here.”
Right then, Susan, Selena, and Madeline had also finished making desserts, which they packed for Stephanie before accompanying her to her car.
Stephanie stated, “I might not be able to visit these days. There’s a draft I need to submit on a tight deadline for a major project at the design studio,”
“We understand. See you at the party, then.” Annabelle inclined her head.
“Okay. Vincent and I will be there early. The corner of Stephanie’s lips lifted minutely. After saying goodbye, she drove toward Fletcher Group.
Vincent was reviewing his documents when she knocked on the door of the CEO’s office carrying the flask. It wasn’t till she drew closer to him that he became aware of her presence.
From her light–footed gait, Vincent knew it belonged to a woman. Since he did not have a female secretary, he loathed wonten who appeared uninvited. He raised his eyes and was about to chastise when he held back. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” He put his documents aside and reached out to Stephanie. Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.
“I wanted to give you a surprise!” Stephanie placed the flask on his desk and held his large hand that pulled her to his lap. She tilted her head with a grin. “You haven’t eaten yet, right?
10 54 Mon, Uct / D D
Vincent muttered. Not yet. Zane has ordered food for me.”
“I brought you some beef stew, which Suzanne taught me to make,” Stephanie offered.
“All right” Vincent responded,
She turned around and poured the stew into a bowl, serving it to him. “Try it. I think it smells pretty good.”
Vincent emptied the bowl which she held.
Is it good” Stephanie wondered.
It’s delicious.” Vincent took in the glee on her face. “Do you like Suzanne?”
Stephanie exclaimed. “Of course! Her culinary skills are amazing”
He proposed, “How about I steal her from the Jimenez family?”
Stephanie cackled. “You’re absolutely wicked!”
Vincent pinched her lovely face. Tll give you whatever you like.”
“What if I fall for a pretty boy?” she teased.
Vincent’s eyes narrowed, and he pressed her hand to his sturdy abs. “I have whatever he has and then some.” Stephanie was curious. “As in?”
He said, “He won’t love you as much as I do. You are my everything.”
Stephanie did not doubt that, as he’d indeed died for her in his previous life.
“Well, I believe you?” She leaned on his shoulder.
“We aren’t going home tonight,” he said.
“Where to then?” Stephanie looked up at him.