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,

Dominick. I know I

Stephanie angrily sent him a

sensing her irritation even through the phone

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

I won’t mention those things anymore. Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you.

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

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

the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds

the way, Stephanie, did

didn’t reply to him. She straightened her clothes, her expression

she ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived at the main

had returned. The

doing standing

arm around her waist and leading her

Then, she turned to look back at Gary, wondering how they had ended

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

pick up the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the night

with its opulent

while Gary and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged

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Chapter 42

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

we’ll plan it

“Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my daughter

as her father belittled her,

between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an

badly in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might

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

finished speaking, two figures strode

laughing as she carried bags full of gifts, with Kevin

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

gaze

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

was adamantly opposed as if the very idea of allying with the Wellington family through marriage was distasteful to

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

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

air thickened with tension and an unsettling

eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to

cut through the

scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his way toward the dining room, leaning heavily

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

servants presented the dishes in an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds had not agreed to

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

generation, didn’t dare make a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes often drifted toward

persistent stare only added to

her head down, feeling even more out