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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really busy lately, probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still in the

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

Stephanie angrily sent him a voice

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation

with Dominick day in

lately, so he hasn’t had

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 was editing her message,

Mr. George Wellington has asked

looked up towards the door, her actions freezing

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

her clothes,

she ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived at the

wasn’t just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds were

doing

around her waist and leading her into the grand hall of Wellington

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

came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing

has gone to the airport early in the morning to pick up the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the night

Villa’s grand hall, with its

were seated across from them. George sat at the head of

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Chapter 42

them are officially married, we’re family now, so

for the wedding, we’ll plan it after Steffi

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 a suitable match for Mr. Wellington. I

belittled her, her head bowed,

heard that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t need

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

mean at all. Please don’t

Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode

visiting today?” Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of gifts, with

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

gaze shifting

be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her

adamantly opposed as if the very idea of allying with the Wellington family

his voice sharp and commanding as he retorted,

hall of Wellington Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious

thickened with tension

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

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at

cut

at Dominick before he

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

welcome the Reed family. It was a

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

generation, didn’t dare make a fuss. He ate

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to her

kept her head down, feeling even more out of place with the