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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Dominick’s been really busy lately, probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still

I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to even think about it. I won’t cling to that

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even

day in and day out… It was truly

[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 just sent and thought for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was probably too

George Wellington has asked you to come to the main hall.

looked up towards the door, her actions

way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to Wellington Villa

her clothes, her expression turning

into Dominick as soon as she

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

her. Then, she turned to look back at Gary, wondering how

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

the morning to 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

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

sat at the head of the table,

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Chapter 42

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

the wedding, we’ll plan it after Steffi

held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t

belittled

between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t need to get

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

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

figures strode into the

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

eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously

his head, his gaze shifting

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

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

darkened, his voice sharp and commanding as he retorted,

silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed

tension and an unsettling

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

suddenly announced to the butler at his

voice cut through the

at Dominick before he began making his way toward the dining room, leaning heavily on his

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

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

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

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

head down, feeling even more out of place with