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

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 cling to

Stephanie angrily sent him

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even

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

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

Mr. George Wellington has

actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds

again. Another message from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come

to him. She straightened her clothes, her expression

into Dominick as soon as

Dominick who had returned. The Reeds

doing standing around

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

beside her. Then, she turned to

personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary,

out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it must be George who instructed Dominick

with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal chandelier,

across from them. George sat at the head of

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Chapter 42

of them are officially married, we’re family now, so let’s not

the wedding, we’ll plan it after Steffi has the

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

father belittled her, her head bowed,

is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They

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

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

two figures strode into the hall from

she

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

gaze

a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply

idea of allying

voice sharp and commanding as he retorted, “No

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

thickened with tension and

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

suddenly announced

cut

a glance at Dominick before he began making his way toward the dining

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

the Reed family. It

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

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

Kevin’s persistent stare only

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