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.

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busy lately, probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you

replied: [I’ve 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

sent him a voice

raised an eyebrow, sensing her

with Dominick day in and day out… It was

Stephanie, don’t be mad. I won’t mention those things anymore. Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be

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

George Wellington has asked you to come to the

towards the door, her actions

phone vibrated again. Another message from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to Wellington Villa last

straightened her clothes, her expression

she ran into Dominick as soon

had returned. The Reeds were with

doing standing around

by her, casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her

Then, she turned to look back at Gary, wondering how they had

came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning

to the airport early in 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

grand hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall

quietly next to Dominick while Gary and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head

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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,” George said

plan it after Steffi has

the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my daughter is a suitable match for Mr. Wellington. I

belittled her, her

is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t need to

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

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

Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode into the

as she carried

men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated

head, his gaze shifting

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

of allying with the Wellington family

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

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

with tension and an unsettling

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

announced to the butler

cut through

at Dominick before he

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

family. It was

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

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

persistent stare only

feeling even more out of place with the entire Reed