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%

said: [Look, Dominick’s been really busy lately, probably won’t have much time for

know. Why are you so annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to even think about

angrily sent him a

her irritation even through the

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

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

with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother with her anymore. She thought as she was editing

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

up towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing

Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie,

him. She straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber

Dominick as soon as she arrived

Dominick who had

are you doing standing around

her waist and

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

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

the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it must be George who instructed Dominick to come

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

Gary and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of

64%

Chapter 42

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

we’ll plan it after Steffi has the

firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in

her father belittled her, her head bowed, silently

“Plus, I’ve heard that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was

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

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

speaking, two figures strode

who’s visiting today?” Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of gifts,

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

his head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled

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

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

sharp and commanding as he retorted,

deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of not wanting

tension and an

an inscrutable look in her eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son,

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to

cut

scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his way

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory.

sat down to a meal charged with a serious atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a smiling face as she

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

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to her

out of place with