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

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

angrily sent him

eyebrow, sensing her irritation even

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

has been really busy lately, so he

he was probably too busy to bother with her anymore. She thought as she was

knocked on the door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has

up towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the

the way, Stephanie, did

clothes, her expression

she ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived at

who had returned. The

you doing

casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her

mind was foggy as she glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look back at

said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was none other

the morning to pick up the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with

its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal chandelier,

sat quietly next to Dominick while Gary and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries while

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Chapter 42

so let’s not stand on ceremony,” George

we’ll plan it after Steffi has

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 for Mr. Wellington. I must

listened as her father belittled

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

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

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

Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode

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

a mix of surprise and

turned his head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled

might not be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s

as if the very idea of allying with the Wellington family

darkened, his voice sharp and commanding as he retorted, “No one dares

silence. No one dared

air thickened with tension and

that the Reed family would be visiting today. She

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler

cut through the

he began making his way toward the dining room, leaning heavily

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had

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

dare make a fuss. He

no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent

kept her head down, feeling even more out