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,

so annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to even think about it. I won’t cling to that

sent him

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even

Dominick day in and day out… It

those things anymore. Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had

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

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

up towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing

again. Another message from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie,

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

ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived at the

just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds were with

doing standing around

around her waist and leading her into the grand

Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look back at Gary, wondering how they

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

But hasn’t he been out late

its opulent

next to Dominick while Gary and 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

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

for the wedding, we’ll plan it after Steffi

Wellington

belittled her, her

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

That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice cold and

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

speaking, two figures strode into

Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she

up just in time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin

his head, his gaze shifting

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

of allying with the Wellington family through

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

a deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of not wanting to

with tension and

with an inscrutable look in her eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son, as she was firmly opposed to Dominick’s

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the

voice cut through the

Dominick before he

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a

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

persistent stare only added to

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