Crossroads

Chapter 42

After breakfast, Stephanie retreated to her bedroom, clutching her phone to catch up on the latest gossip about Jessica’s hickey…

“Dominick must have had a wild night with her…” she muttered to herself as she scrolled through Twitter, her expression a mix of

emotions.

Even Stephanie herself didn’t understand why she cared so much…

It was as if she were jealous.

“Wait, jealous?’ The thought stopped Stephanie in her tracks.

“How could I possibly be jealous? Dominick made it clear it was just a business arrangement…”

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, her phone vibrated with a new notification. A greeting message on WhatsApp.

“Who’s this?” she murmured.

Stephanie’s brows furrowed as she stared at the screen. A man named Vincent had just added her.

Vincent seemed to be quite full of himself.

Stephanie simply ignored him, her face devoid of emotion.

Perhaps thinking she wouldn’t reply to him, Vincent quickly sent another message: [I’m Vincent Hayes.]

[Vincent, that profile picture of yours is really flamboyant.]

Stephanie immediately criticized him and saved his number.

Vincent replied: [Still better than your ‘Steph Force.’ Stephanie, your nickname lacks depth.]

StephForce shot back: [Vincent, did you come to me just to pick a fight because you’re bored?]

Stephanie thought her WhatsApp nickname was flawless, simple, memorable, and, most importantly, powerful.

When she saw Vincent’s name pop up, she was instantly reminded that Vincent had warned her not to delude herself, that Dominick could never like her, and that she was just a stand-in for Jessica…

The thought sank Stephanie deeper.

StephForce: [Vincent, I’m tied up right now. Don’t bother me unless it’s urgent, and it better be.] She quickly replied, ready to exit WhatsApp

Vincent responded: (Wait, Stephanie, I actually have something serious to talk to you

about!]

Stephanie hesitated, wondering what this unreliable Vincent could possibly have that was serious.

Chapter 42

Jun

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[Look, Dominick’s been really busy lately, probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still in

replied: [I’ve told you. I know. Why are you so annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick.

Stephanie angrily sent him a voice

sensing her

living with Dominick day in and day out…

lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He asked me to take some time

Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy

maid knocked on the door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has asked you to come to the main hall.

the door, her actions

Vincent: [By the way,

to him. She straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber as

as soon as she arrived at the

had returned.

you doing standing

around her waist and leading her into the grand hall

at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned

the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who

hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it must be George who instructed

hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal

Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries

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Chapter 42

them are officially married, we’re family now, so let’s not

wedding, we’ll plan

remained expressionless, devoid of any joy, as he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my daughter is a suitable match for

belittled her, her

and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They

in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice

don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling as she tried to appease

speaking, two figures strode into

she carried bags full of

with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited

his gaze shifting towards

good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply absurd and bound to be

of allying with

voice sharp and commanding as he retorted, “No one dares to

Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared to speak.

thickened with tension and an

an inscrutable look in her eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son, as she was firmly opposed to Dominick’s plans to

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the

cut through

before he began making

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds had

to a meal charged with a serious atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about

didn’t dare make a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes often

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare

her head down, feeling even more out of place with the