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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won’t have much time for you,

going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to even think about it. I

Stephanie angrily sent

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the phone

feeling after living with Dominick day in and day out…

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 some time to drive you to visit

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

her actions freezing

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

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

into Dominick as

wasn’t just Dominick who had returned.

are you doing standing around

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

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

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

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 Dominick

hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal chandelier,

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

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Chapter 42

now, so let’s not stand on ceremony,”

the wedding, we’ll plan it

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

belittled her,

is no love between her and Mr.

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

all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly

speaking, two figures strode into the

Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of gifts, with

a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin

his head, his gaze shifting

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

of allying with the Wellington family

commanding as he retorted, “No

dared to speak.

with tension and an unsettling

would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son,

announced to the

cut through the

George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney

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

no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only

out of place with the entire