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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won’t have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still in the

annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know I

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him a

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the phone

must have feeling after living with Dominick day

won’t mention those things anymore. Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He asked me to take some time to drive you to visit

was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother with her

the maid knocked on the door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has asked you to come to

looked up towards the door, her actions freezing

[By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come

didn’t reply to him. She straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber as she

ran into Dominick as soon

just Dominick who had returned.

are you doing standing around

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

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

us up,” said the

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

Villa’s grand hall, 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

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Chapter 42

of them are officially married, we’re family now, so let’s not stand on

wedding, we’ll plan it

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

father belittled her, her head bowed,

Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They

aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice

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

finished speaking, two figures strode into the hall from

visiting today?” Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of gifts, with Kevin walking

with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the Reeds

head, his gaze shifting

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

opposed as if the very idea of allying

darkened, his voice sharp and commanding as he retorted, “No one dares

of Wellington Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of

with tension and an

family would be visiting today. She had intentionally

Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at

voice cut through

at Dominick before he began making his way toward

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

Reed family. It was a gathering

some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a smiling face as she discussed the mundane matters of the

a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes often

and Kevin’s persistent

kept her head down, feeling even more out