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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been really busy lately, probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you

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

Stephanie angrily sent

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through

Dominick 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 take some time to drive

busy with Jessica, he was

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

towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the

[By the way,

straightened her clothes, her expression turning

into Dominick as soon as she arrived at

Dominick who had returned. The Reeds

you doing standing

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

beside her. Then, she turned

came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman

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

its opulent 25-foot-tall

across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries while Stephanie remained silent,

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Chapter 42

so

the wedding, we’ll plan it

face remained expressionless, devoid of any joy, as he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t

belittled her,

her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t

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

what we mean at all. Please don’t

speaking, two figures

laughing as she

just in time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin

his gaze shifting towards George,

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

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

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

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

with tension and

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

announced

cut through the

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney

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

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only

her head down, feeling even more out of place with the entire