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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much time for you, and well, you

Dominick. I know I don’t

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him a voice

sensing her

Dominick day in and

Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He asked me to

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, about to

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

the door, her actions freezing upon hearing

message from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did

her clothes, her expression turning somber as she

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

who had returned. The Reeds were with

are you doing

right arm around her waist

her. Then, she turned to look

truly 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 with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it must be George

with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal

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

we’ll plan it after Steffi has

held the Wellington family in

as her father belittled her,

Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t need to get

worried that Stephanie will be treated badly in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice cold and unhappy

that’s not what we mean at all. Please don’t misunderstand…”

speaking, two figures

gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full

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

his head, his gaze shifting towards

has divorced once. She might not be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her

the very idea of allying with

commanding as he retorted, “No one dares

deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of

with tension

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 plans

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at his

cut

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

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

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

fuss. He ate politely,

persistent stare only added to

out of place with