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

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much time for you, and well, you know Jessica

I know. Why are you so annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to

Stephanie angrily sent

eyebrow, sensing her

after living with Dominick day in and day

Dominick has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He asked me to take some time to drive you

at the message he had just sent and thought for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was

George Wellington has

actions freezing upon hearing

Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to

clothes,

Stephanie’s surprise, she ran into Dominick as soon

Dominick who had

are you doing standing around

her waist and leading her into

glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look back at Gary, wondering

pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was none other

airport early in the morning to pick up the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie

grand hall, with its

sat quietly next to Dominick while Gary and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the

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Chapter 42

family now, so let’s not stand

plan it after

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 Mr. Wellington. I must

belittled her, her head bowed,

between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy.

badly in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice cold and unhappy as he questioned

not what we mean at all. Please don’t misunderstand…”

speaking, two figures strode into the hall

Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of gifts,

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

turned his head, his gaze

match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is

allying with the

and commanding as he retorted, “No one dares to laugh

into a deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of not

with tension and an

her eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son,

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at his

voice cut through

scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

dishes in an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory.

serious atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a smiling face as she discussed the mundane matters of the

fuss. He ate politely, though his

no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to her

more out of place with the