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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Dominick’s been really busy lately, probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still in the picture,

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

sent him a

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the phone

day in and day out… It was truly

don’t be mad. 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

Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy

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

towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing

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

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

Dominick as soon as she arrived at the main

who had returned. The Reeds were with

are you doing

wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her

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

pick us up,” said

in the morning to pick up the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just

with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal chandelier, sparkled

across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and

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Chapter 42

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

plan it after Steffi

expressionless, devoid of any joy, as he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard,

as her father belittled her, her

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

we might do something to her!” George said,

Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney

speaking, two figures strode into

Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she carried

mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the Reeds as Claire’s boyfriend,

his head, his gaze shifting towards George,

match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is

very idea of allying with

commanding as he

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

air thickened with tension and

eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down

Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at

voice cut through

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds had not agreed to the

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 of

make a fuss. He

no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only

more out of place with