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

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

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him a voice

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the phone

feeling after living with Dominick day in and day out…

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 time to drive you to visit

for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was

the door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington

the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the

[By the way, Stephanie, did

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

ran into Dominick as soon as

just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds were with

you doing standing around

around her waist and leading her

Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look back at Gary, wondering how they had ended up together so

honor that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was none

gone to the 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

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

George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries while Stephanie remained silent, her expression

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Chapter 42

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

for the wedding, we’ll plan

have always held the Wellington family in

her father belittled her,

there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t need to get

Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George said, his

we mean at all. Please don’t

Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode

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

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

head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled

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

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

he retorted, “No one dares to laugh at the

dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of not wanting to

with tension and 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

cut

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds had

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 of the

the younger generation, didn’t dare make a fuss. He

Kevin’s persistent stare only

even more out of