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

64%

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

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation

must have feeling after living with Dominick day in and

has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He asked me to take some time to

for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother with her anymore. She thought as she was editing her message, about to

Wellington has asked you

towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds

from Vincent: [By the way,

clothes,

she ran into Dominick as soon

just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds were

are you doing standing

casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her into the grand hall of

foggy as she glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look

that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said

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 must be George who instructed Dominick to come

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

Dominick while Gary and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries

64%

Chapter 42

that the two of them are officially married, we’re family now, so

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

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

as her father belittled her, her head bowed,

there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They

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

don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said,

speaking, two figures strode into the hall from

who’s visiting today?” Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of

expressions a mix of surprise and

gaze shifting towards George,

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

the very idea of allying

commanding as he retorted, “No

grand hall of Wellington Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of not wanting to upset

with tension and an

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

voice cut

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be

about the company’s affairs,

He ate politely, though his eyes often drifted toward

no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare

even more out of place