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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have much time for you,

told you. I 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 it. I won’t cling to

Stephanie angrily sent him a

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the

day in and

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

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

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

towards the door, her actions freezing

Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie,

to him. She straightened her clothes, her

into Dominick as soon as she arrived at the

who had returned.

are you doing standing

around her waist

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

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

airport early in the morning to pick up 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

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

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

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Chapter 42

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

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

any joy, as he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington

listened as her father belittled her, her head bowed,

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

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

not what we mean at all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling

finished speaking, two figures

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

expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had

gaze shifting towards

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

if the very idea of allying with the Wellington

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

silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious

thickened with tension and

had 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 plans to

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at

cut through the

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

servants presented the dishes in an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would

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

generation, didn’t dare make a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes

had no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to

feeling even more out of place with the entire