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

are you so annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have

angrily sent him a voice

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even

after living with Dominick day in and day

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

at the message he had just sent and thought for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he

George Wellington has asked you to come to

actions

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

reply to him. She straightened her clothes, her expression turning

Stephanie’s surprise, she ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived at the main

wasn’t just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds

doing

her, casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her into the

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

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

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 Dominick to come home

with its

at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a

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Chapter 42

so let’s not stand

the wedding, we’ll plan it after

Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high

belittled her, her head bowed,

that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington.

you? That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice cold

what we mean at all. Please don’t

as Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode into

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

both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously

his head, his gaze shifting

Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply

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

face darkened, his voice sharp and commanding as he retorted, “No one dares

dared to speak.

tension and an

Reed family would be visiting today. She

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler

voice cut

remained silent. George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his way toward the dining

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

servants presented the dishes in an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering

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

a fuss. He ate politely, though

had no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added

down, feeling even more out of place