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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probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you know

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.

Stephanie angrily sent him a voice

raised an eyebrow, sensing her

with Dominick day in and

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 you to visit

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

Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has asked you to come to the main hall. The

actions freezing upon hearing the

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

reply to him. She straightened her clothes,

ran into Dominick as soon as

just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds were

doing standing around

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

her. Then, she turned to look back

to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing

the airport 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 instructed Dominick to come

hall, with its

quietly next to Dominick while Gary and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the

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Chapter 42

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

for the wedding, we’ll plan it

any joy, as he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my daughter is

as her father belittled her,

“Plus, I’ve heard that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It

will be treated badly in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do

at all. Please don’t misunderstand…”

Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode

laughing as she carried bags full of gifts,

both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the

gaze shifting towards George,

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

as if the very idea of allying with the Wellington family

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

one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of not wanting to upset

tension

She had intentionally come down with her son, as she

announced to the butler at his

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

family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds had

serious atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a smiling face as she discussed the mundane matters

fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes often drifted

had no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only

head down, feeling even more out of place