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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much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still in

fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to even

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him a

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation

Dominick day in and day out… It

anymore. Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he

he was probably too busy to bother with her anymore. She thought as she was editing

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

looked up towards the door, her actions freezing

phone vibrated again. Another message from Vincent: [By the way,

her clothes, her expression turning somber as she

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

who had returned. The Reeds were with

doing standing

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

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

truly an honor that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was none other

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 instructed Dominick to

hall, with its opulent

Dominick while Gary and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at

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Chapter 42

we’re family now, so

we’ll plan it

any joy, as he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard,

father belittled

“Plus, I’ve heard that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t need to

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

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

speaking, two figures strode into the

she carried bags full of gifts, with Kevin walking

time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix

turned his head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled

daughter has divorced once. She might not be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply absurd and bound

if the very idea of allying

his voice sharp and commanding as he retorted, “No

one dared to speak. Even

air thickened with tension and

She

suddenly announced to the butler at his

cut

Dominick before he began making his way

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

servants presented the dishes in an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially

a meal charged with a serious atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s

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

and Kevin’s persistent

out of place