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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have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still in the

told you. 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. I won’t cling to that

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him a voice

sensing her irritation even through the phone

living with Dominick day in and day out…

busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He asked me to take some time to drive you to visit your

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

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

towards the door, her actions

Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did

to him. She straightened her clothes, her expression

as soon

just Dominick who had returned. The

you doing standing around

casually wrapping his right arm around her waist

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

truly an honor that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman

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

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

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

married, we’re family now, so let’s

wedding, we’ll plan it after Steffi

held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my daughter is a

belittled her, her head bowed, silently

that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just

you? That we might do

that’s not what we mean at all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling

finished speaking, two figures strode into the

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

expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the Reeds as Claire’s boyfriend, but

turned his head, his gaze shifting towards

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 absurd and bound

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

he retorted, “No one

of Wellington Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared

with tension

look in her eyes, had 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 marry

Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at his

voice cut

Dominick before he began making his way toward the

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

family. It was a gathering George had initially

to a meal charged with a serious atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs,

dare make a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes often drifted toward

persistent stare only

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