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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time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still

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

sent him

eyebrow, sensing her irritation even

have feeling after living with Dominick day in and day out… It was

anymore. Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He

with Jessica, he was probably

knocked on the door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has asked you to come to the main hall. The Reeds

up towards the door, her actions freezing upon

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

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

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

just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds

doing standing around

by her, casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her into the grand hall of

mind was foggy as she glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look back at Gary,

airport to pick us up,” said the

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

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

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

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Chapter 42

now, so let’s not stand on ceremony,” George said

we’ll plan it

Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my

her father belittled her, her head bowed,

between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy.

that Stephanie will be treated badly in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice cold and unhappy as he

George Wellington, that’s not what we mean at all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling as she tried to

two figures strode into the hall

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

Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated

head, his gaze shifting

her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply absurd and bound

idea of allying with the Wellington

and commanding as he

silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of not wanting to

tension and

her eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with

Dominick suddenly announced to the

voice cut through the

other guests remained silent. George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making 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,

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

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

and Kevin’s persistent stare only

even more out