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 well, you know Jessica is still in

so annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to even

Stephanie angrily sent

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation

after living with Dominick day in and

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

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

Mr. George Wellington has asked you to come to the main hall. The Reeds

her actions freezing

phone vibrated again. Another message from Vincent: [By the way,

straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber

as soon as

Dominick who had returned. The Reeds

are you doing standing around

right arm around her waist and leading her into the

her. Then, she turned to look

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

gone 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

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

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 authoritatively,

for the wedding, we’ll plan it after Steffi has the

he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I

belittled her, her

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

the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something

all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling as she tried

finished speaking, two figures strode into the hall from

today?” Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she

looked up just in time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise

his gaze shifting towards George,

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 a

very idea of allying with

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

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

air thickened 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

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to

cut through

glance at Dominick before he began making his way toward the dining room, leaning heavily on his

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds

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

the younger generation, didn’t dare make a fuss. He ate

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

feeling even more out of place with