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.

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probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still in

told you. 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 cling

angrily sent him a voice

her irritation even through the

feeling after living with Dominick day in and day

[Hey, Stephanie, don’t be mad. I won’t mention those things anymore. Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He asked me to take some time

moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother with her anymore. She thought as she was editing her message,

George Wellington has asked

the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds had

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

She straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber as she

she ran into Dominick as soon as she

just Dominick who had returned.

are you doing standing around

her waist and leading her into

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

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

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

its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal chandelier,

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

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Chapter 42

officially married, we’re family now, so

plan it after

Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family

as her father belittled her, her head bowed, silently

is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just

aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George said,

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

Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode into the hall from

visiting today?” Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she

Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise

head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled

for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband

adamantly opposed as if the very idea of allying with the Wellington family through marriage was distasteful

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

No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of not wanting to

thickened with tension and an unsettling

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

suddenly announced to the butler

cut through

he began making his way toward the dining room, leaning heavily

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially

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

didn’t dare make a fuss. He ate politely,

Kevin’s persistent stare

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