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

64%

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

Why are you so annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know

angrily sent him a

her irritation even through

after living with Dominick day in and day

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

message he had just sent and thought for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother with her

knocked on the door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington

up towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds had

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

her clothes, her expression turning somber as she

into Dominick as soon

wasn’t just Dominick who had

are you doing

wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her into the grand hall

she glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look back at

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

to pick up the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed

its

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

64%

Chapter 42

married, we’re family now, so let’s

we’ll plan it after Steffi

George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in

listened as her father belittled her, her head bowed, silently

that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an

Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice cold and unhappy as he questioned

don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling as she

as Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode

gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of gifts, with Kevin

in time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and

his head, his gaze shifting towards George,

has divorced once. She might not be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply absurd and bound to

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

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

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

tension and an unsettling

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 plans

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to

cut through

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

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 of the Reed

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

had no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent

more out