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

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time for you, and well, you

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

angrily sent him

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even

after living with Dominick day in

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

thought for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother

Wellington has asked you to come to the main hall. The Reeds

the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds had

[By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to Wellington Villa last

clothes, her expression turning somber as she

ran into Dominick as soon as she

wasn’t just Dominick who had returned. The

you doing

casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading

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

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

he been out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it

its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal chandelier,

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

plan it after

I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my daughter is a suitable match for Mr. Wellington. I must

father belittled her, her

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

we might do something to her!” George said, his voice

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

speaking, two figures

today?” Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she carried bags

mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin

gaze shifting towards George,

a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply absurd and

as if the very idea of allying with the Wellington family through marriage

sharp and commanding as he

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

with tension and an unsettling

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

announced to the butler at his

cut

he began making his way toward the dining room, leaning heavily on his

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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 be celebratory. Unexpectedly,

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 discussed the

a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes often

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to

out of place with the entire Reed family