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

replied: [I’ve 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

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation

after living with Dominick day in and day out… It was truly

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

had 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 she was editing her message,

Wellington has asked you

looked up towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing

[By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick

didn’t reply to him. She straightened her clothes, her expression turning

Stephanie’s surprise, she ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived

had returned. The

are you doing standing

by her, casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her into the grand hall of

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

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

gone to 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 crystal

from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged

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Chapter 42

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

wedding, we’ll plan it after Steffi has the

I have always held the Wellington family

listened as her father belittled her, her head

and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t need to

will be treated badly in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George

all. Please don’t misunderstand…”

figures

entered gracefully, laughing as she carried

up just in time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the Reeds as Claire’s boyfriend, but

head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled

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

idea of allying with the Wellington family through marriage was distasteful

he retorted, “No one dares to laugh

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

tension and

today. She had intentionally come down with her son, as she was firmly opposed to Dominick’s plans to

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to

cut through

at Dominick before he began making his way toward the dining room, leaning

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

with a 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 Reed

fuss. He ate politely, though his

and Kevin’s persistent stare

feeling even more out of place with