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

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have much time for you, and

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

Stephanie angrily sent

eyebrow, sensing her

have feeling after living with Dominick day

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

thought 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

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

towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds

from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did

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

surprise, she ran into Dominick as soon as

Dominick who had returned. The

are you doing standing

his right arm around her

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

that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to

But hasn’t he been out late

Villa’s grand hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall

Gary and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged

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Chapter 42

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

wedding, we’ll plan

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 believe

listened as her father belittled her, her head bowed,

“Plus, I’ve heard that there is no love between her and Mr.

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

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

figures strode into

laughing as she carried bags full of gifts, with

both men’s expressions a mix

his head, his gaze shifting towards George,

has 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

the very idea of allying with the Wellington

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

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

tension and an unsettling

learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son, as she was

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the

cut through the

glance 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

serious atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept

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

and Kevin’s persistent stare

down, feeling even more out