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

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

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him a

eyebrow, sensing her irritation even

must have feeling after living with Dominick day in and day

don’t be mad. I won’t mention those things anymore. Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time

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

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

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

from Vincent: [By the way,

him. She straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber as she headed

surprise, she ran into Dominick as soon as

who had returned. The Reeds

you doing

passed by her, casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading

Then, she turned to look back at Gary, wondering

to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was none other than her stepmother, Courtney

out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it must be George who

Villa’s grand hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal chandelier,

them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries while Stephanie remained

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Chapter 42

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

the wedding, we’ll plan it

of 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

her father belittled her, her head

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

will be treated badly in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do

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

two figures strode

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

time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited

gaze

a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply absurd and bound to be a

idea of allying with the Wellington family

he retorted, “No one

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

tension

today. She had intentionally come down

announced to the butler at his

voice cut through the

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

to welcome the Reed family. It

a meal charged with a serious atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about

He ate politely, though his eyes often

persistent stare only added

more out of place with the entire