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

going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him

eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the

with Dominick day in and day out… It

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

sent and thought for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to bother with her anymore. She thought

Mr. George Wellington has asked you to come to the

towards the door, her actions freezing upon

[By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to

her clothes,

Stephanie’s surprise, she ran into Dominick as

wasn’t just Dominick who had

you doing standing

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

she glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to

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

been out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it must be George who instructed Dominick to come

grand hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall

at the head

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Chapter 42

are officially married, we’re family now, so let’s not stand on ceremony,” George said authoritatively, his voice deep

plan it after Steffi has the

remained expressionless, devoid of any joy, as he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my daughter is a suitable match

her father belittled her,

“Plus, I’ve heard that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was

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

George Wellington, that’s not what we mean at all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly

Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode into

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

lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix

his gaze shifting towards

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

opposed as if the very idea of allying with the

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

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

with tension

family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son, as she was firmly opposed to Dominick’s plans to marry

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at

cut

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

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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 the

serious atmosphere. Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about

He ate politely, though

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only

out of