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

64%

lately, probably won’t have much time for you, and well,

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

angrily sent him

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation

with Dominick day

really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He asked

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

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

looked up towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the

[By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back

her clothes, her expression turning somber as she

Dominick as soon as she arrived at the main

had returned. The Reeds

doing

arm around her waist and leading her into

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

personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning

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 it must be George who

Villa’s grand hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal chandelier, sparkled

and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head

64%

Chapter 42

family now, so

for the wedding, we’ll plan it after

“Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my daughter is a

her father belittled her, her head

continued, “Plus, I’ve heard that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental

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

not what we mean at all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling as she

figures strode

as she carried bags full of gifts, with Kevin

expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the Reeds as Claire’s boyfriend,

gaze shifting towards George, filled

not be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr.

the very idea of allying with the Wellington family through marriage was distasteful to

and commanding as he retorted, “No one dares to

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

with tension

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 marry

announced

voice cut through the

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the

about the company’s affairs, and

fuss. He ate

persistent stare only

down, feeling even more out of place with the entire Reed family