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

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

angrily sent

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the

day

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

a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother with her anymore. She thought as she was editing

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

up towards the door, her actions freezing upon

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

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

surprise, she ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived at

Dominick who had returned. The Reeds were

are you doing standing

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

she glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look back at Gary, wondering how they

an honor that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman

to pick up the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the night before?”

hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal

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

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Chapter 42

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

we’ll plan it

he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my

belittled her, her head

no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an

in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice cold and unhappy

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

finished speaking, two figures strode

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

a mix of surprise and complicated emotions.

turned his head, his gaze shifting

be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply absurd and bound

of allying with the Wellington

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

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

with tension

look in her eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had

suddenly announced to the butler

voice cut through

scowled, casting a 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 elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds

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

fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes

and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to her

kept her head down, feeling even more out of place with