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

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

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him a voice

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through

living with Dominick day in and day out…

so he hasn’t had time

just sent and thought for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother with her anymore. She thought as

on the door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has asked you to come to

actions freezing upon

[By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back

straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber as she

Dominick as soon as she arrived at

just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds

doing standing around

around her waist and leading her into the grand

foggy as she glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to

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

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

with its opulent 25-foot-tall

them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries while Stephanie remained

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Chapter 42

two of them are officially married, we’re family now, so let’s not stand on ceremony,” George said authoritatively, his voice

the wedding, we’ll plan it after

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

between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just

That we might

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

finished speaking, two figures strode

laughing as she carried bags

in time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix

his head, his gaze

has divorced once. She might not be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her

idea of allying with

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

grand hall of Wellington Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of not

tension

Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son, as she

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to

voice cut through

silent. George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his way toward the

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds had not

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

the younger generation, didn’t dare make a fuss. He ate politely, though his

had no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent

head down, feeling even more out of place with