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

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

angrily sent him a voice

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through

living with Dominick day in and day out… It was

anymore. Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He asked me to take some time to drive you

at the message 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.

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

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

Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to Wellington

to him. She straightened her clothes,

as soon

wasn’t just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds were

are you doing standing

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

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

truly an honor that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing

the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it must be George

hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal chandelier, sparkled

Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries while Stephanie remained silent, her

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Chapter 42

officially married, we’re family now, so let’s not stand on ceremony,” George said authoritatively, his voice deep

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

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

her father belittled

heard that there is no love between her and Mr.

That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice cold and unhappy as he

don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling

as Courtney finished speaking, two figures

who’s visiting today?” Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of gifts, with

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

his head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled with

Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin.

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

darkened, his voice sharp and commanding as he

of Wellington Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy,

thickened with tension and

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

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler

voice cut through

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

some talk about the company’s affairs,

He ate

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare

out of place with the entire