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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lately, probably won’t have much time for

for Dominick.

angrily sent him a voice

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the phone

Dominick day in and day out… It was

I 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

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 as she was

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

actions freezing upon hearing

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

clothes, her expression turning somber as she

Stephanie’s surprise, she ran into Dominick as soon

had returned.

doing

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

turned to look back

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

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

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

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Chapter 42

married, we’re family now, so let’s not

the wedding, we’ll plan it after

the Wellington

her father belittled

her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t need

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

don’t

as Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode into the hall

laughing as she carried

looked up just in time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the Reeds as

his gaze

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

the very idea of allying with the Wellington family

commanding as he retorted, “No one

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

tension

eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son, as she was firmly opposed

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the

cut through

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

having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds had not agreed to the marriage

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 discussed the mundane matters

a fuss. He ate politely, though

persistent stare only added to her

feeling even more out of place with