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

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

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

angrily sent him a

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even

have feeling after living with Dominick day in and

[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

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

on the door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has

the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds

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

him. She straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber as

into Dominick as soon as she

had

are you doing standing around

her, casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and

turned to look back at Gary, wondering

that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the

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

hall, with its

Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged

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Chapter 42

married, we’re family now, so let’s not stand on

wedding, we’ll plan it

Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my daughter is a suitable match

listened as her father belittled her, her

Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy.

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

George Wellington, that’s not what we mean at all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney

two figures strode into

she carried bags full of gifts,

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

turned his head, his gaze shifting

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

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

voice sharp and commanding as he retorted, “No one

grand hall of Wellington Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared to

with tension and an

had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She

Dominick suddenly announced to the butler

cut through the

at Dominick before he began making his way toward the

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds had not agreed

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

dare make a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes often drifted toward

persistent stare only added to her

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