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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probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still in the picture,

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

sent him a voice

her irritation even through the

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

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 take some time to drive you to visit

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

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

door, her actions freezing upon hearing the

Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did

clothes,

ran into Dominick as

who had returned. The Reeds were

are you doing

right arm around her waist

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

pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was none other

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

its

and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries while Stephanie remained silent, her expression

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Chapter 42

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

we’ll plan

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 for Mr. Wellington. I

father belittled her, her head

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

you? That we might do something to her!” George said,

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

as Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode into the hall

gracefully, laughing as she carried bags

up just in time to lock eyes with Kevin, both men’s expressions a mix of surprise and complicated emotions. Kevin had previously visited the Reeds as

his head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled with

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

idea of allying

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

a deep silence. No one dared to speak.

tension and an unsettling

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

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler

cut through the

he began making his way

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory.

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

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

Kevin’s persistent stare only added to

even more out of place with the