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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much time for you, and well, you know Jessica

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.

angrily sent

her irritation even through the

with Dominick day in and day

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

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

then, the maid knocked on the door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has

up towards the door, her actions freezing

vibrated again. Another message from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie,

didn’t reply to him. She straightened her clothes, her

Stephanie’s surprise, she ran into Dominick as

had returned.

you doing standing around

her, casually wrapping his right arm around her waist

beside her. Then, she turned

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

gone to the airport early in the morning to pick up the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the

Villa’s grand hall, with its

were seated across from them. George sat at the head of

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Chapter 42

now, so let’s not stand on ceremony,” George said authoritatively, his voice deep and

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

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

father belittled her, her

Mr. Wellington. It was just an

in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might

at all. Please don’t misunderstand…”

figures strode into the hall from

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

expressions a mix of surprise

his head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled

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

idea of allying with the Wellington family

he retorted, “No one

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

tension and

be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son, as she was

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at

voice cut through

glance at Dominick before he

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds

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

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

and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to her

feeling even more out of place with the