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

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won’t have much time for you,

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.

sent him a voice

her irritation even through the

Dominick day in and day

I won’t mention those things 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

was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother with her anymore. She thought as

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

the door, her actions freezing upon hearing

way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to Wellington Villa

clothes,

Dominick as soon as she arrived at the main

had returned. The Reeds

doing standing around

right arm around her waist and leading her into the grand

foggy as she glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned

honor that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was none other than her stepmother, Courtney

early in the morning 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

grand hall, with its

sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries

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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 deep and

for 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

listened as her father belittled her,

I’ve heard that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They

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

at all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling as she

finished speaking, two figures strode

gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of gifts, with

lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the Reeds

gaze shifting

be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin.

the very idea of allying with

sharp and commanding as he retorted, “No one dares to laugh at

silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious

with tension and an

would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son, as she was firmly

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced

voice cut through

George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped

about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a smiling face as she discussed the mundane matters of

fuss. He ate

Kevin’s persistent

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