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

Jun

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much time for you, and well,

replied: [I’ve told you. I know. Why are you so annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent

eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the

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

[Hey, Stephanie, don’t be mad. 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

busy with Jessica, he was probably too busy to

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

door, her actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds had

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

her clothes, her expression

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

just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds were with

doing standing

her, casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading

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

came to the 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

grand hall, with its opulent

across from them. George sat at

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Chapter 42

we’re family now, so let’s not stand on ceremony,”

wedding, we’ll plan it after Steffi has the

any joy, as he spoke firmly. “Mr. George Wellington, I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I

her father belittled her, her

is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was

That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice cold and unhappy as

not what we mean at all. Please don’t

figures strode into the hall from

who’s visiting today?” Stella entered gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full

mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited

head, his gaze

divorced once. She might not be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is

if the very idea of allying with

his voice sharp and commanding as he

of Wellington Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary

air thickened with tension and

her eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son, as she was firmly opposed to Dominick’s

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced

voice cut

Dominick before he began making

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

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

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

had no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to her

her head down, feeling even more out of