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

I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to even

Stephanie angrily sent him a

her irritation

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

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

a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too

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

her actions freezing upon

the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to

She straightened her clothes, her expression

she ran into Dominick as soon as she

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

doing

arm around her waist and

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

an honor that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who

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

hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal

quietly 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

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Chapter 42

family now, so let’s not stand on

for the wedding, we’ll plan it after Steffi has the

always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe

her father belittled her, her head

I’ve heard that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy.

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

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

figures strode into the

entered gracefully, laughing as she

mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the Reeds as

turned his head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled

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

opposed as if the very idea of allying with the Wellington

sharp and commanding as he retorted, “No

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

with tension

visiting today. She had intentionally come

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to

voice cut through the

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

talk about

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

had no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to her

head down, feeling even more out of place with the entire