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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Dominick’s been really busy lately, probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is

know. Why are you so annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I

angrily sent him a voice

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even

after 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

he was probably too busy

Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has asked you to

looked up towards the door, her actions freezing

Another message from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to Wellington Villa last

him. She straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber

as soon as she arrived at the

wasn’t just Dominick who had

you doing standing

passed by 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, wondering how they had

the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was none other

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

grand hall, with its

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

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Chapter 42

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

for the wedding, we’ll plan it after

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

as her father belittled her, her head

there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t need to get

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

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

Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode into the hall from

laughing as she carried bags full of gifts, with Kevin walking

Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and

his head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled

her ex-husband is Mr.

very idea of allying with the Wellington family through

his voice sharp and commanding as he retorted, “No one dares to

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

thickened with tension

the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her

suddenly announced to the butler at

voice cut through the

silent. George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his way toward

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney

younger generation, didn’t dare make a fuss. He ate politely, though

no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to her

kept her head down, feeling even more out of place