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 the

Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to even think about it. I won’t cling to

Stephanie angrily sent

eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the

must have feeling after living with Dominick day in and day out… It was

[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 you. He asked me to take some time to

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. She thought as she

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

looked up towards the door, her actions

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

clothes, her

ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived at the

just Dominick who had returned. The

you doing

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

mind was foggy as she glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look back at Gary, wondering how they had

up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary,

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

its opulent

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

married, we’re family now, so let’s

plan it after Steffi has

he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington

father belittled her, her

there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They

the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George

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

Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode

gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of gifts,

mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the

his gaze shifting

match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply

idea of allying with the Wellington family

commanding as he

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

air thickened with tension and

be visiting today. She had intentionally come

Dominick suddenly announced to the

voice cut

guests remained silent. George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his way toward the dining room,

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

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

a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes

Kevin’s persistent stare only added

head down, feeling even more out of place with