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,

to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to even think about

Stephanie angrily sent him a

raised an eyebrow, sensing her

with Dominick day in and day

has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you.

looked at the 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 anymore. She thought

George Wellington has asked you to come to the main

up towards the door, her actions freezing upon

phone vibrated again. Another message from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back

didn’t reply to him. She straightened her clothes, her

surprise, she ran into Dominick as soon as

who had returned. The Reeds were with

are you doing

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

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

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

been out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it

with its

and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries

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Chapter 42

officially married, we’re family now, so let’s not stand on ceremony,”

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

George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I

her father belittled her, her

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

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

at all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling as she tried to

finished speaking, two figures strode into the hall

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

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

his gaze shifting towards George, filled

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

if the very idea of allying with the Wellington family through

as he retorted, “No one dares to laugh

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

with tension and an unsettling

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

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at his

cut through

guests remained silent. George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

presented the dishes in an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering

serious atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a smiling face

make a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes often drifted toward

no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only

more out of