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

angrily sent him a

sensing her irritation even through the phone

day

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

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

George Wellington

towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing

Another message from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to Wellington Villa

straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber

as soon as she arrived at the

who had

doing standing

her waist and leading her

her. Then, she turned to look back at Gary, wondering how

said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was

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

grand hall, with its

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

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Chapter 42

that the two of them are officially married, we’re family now, so let’s not stand on ceremony,”

plan it after Steffi

as he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington

her father belittled her, her

that there is no love between her and Mr.

in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!”

Wellington, that’s not what we mean at all. Please don’t misunderstand…”

as Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode into the hall from

entered gracefully, laughing as she carried bags

expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the

his gaze shifting

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 to be

very idea of allying with the Wellington family through marriage

as he retorted,

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

tension and an

with an inscrutable 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

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the

voice cut

he began

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

the dishes in an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped

Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a smiling face as

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

had no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent

out