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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have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still in the picture,

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

sent him

eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the phone

feeling after living with Dominick day in

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

looked at the message he had just sent and thought for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother with her anymore. She

door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has asked you to come

looked up towards the door, her actions freezing

way, Stephanie, did Dominick

to him. She straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber as she

ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived

had

doing

wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her into the grand hall

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

to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was none other than her stepmother, Courtney

to the airport early in the morning to pick up the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the

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

George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries while

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Chapter 42

are officially married, we’re family now, so let’s not stand on

we’ll plan it after Steffi has

the Wellington family in high regard, but

as her father belittled her,

between her and Mr.

That we might do something to

all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney

figures strode into the

as she carried bags full of gifts, with Kevin

in time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had

gaze shifting

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

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

he retorted, “No one dares to laugh

silence. No one dared to speak. Even

tension and

Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally

Dominick suddenly announced to the butler

cut

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

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 had not agreed to

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

younger generation, didn’t dare make a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes often

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added

down, feeling even more out of place with the entire Reed family