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.

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said: [Look, Dominick’s been really busy lately, probably won’t have much time for you, and well, you know Jessica

I know. Why are you so annoying? I’m not going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to even think about it.

Stephanie angrily sent him a voice

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation

Dominick day in and day out… It was truly

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

Jessica, he

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

door, her actions freezing upon hearing

Another message from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did

She straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber as she

Stephanie’s surprise, she ran into Dominick as soon as she

who had

you doing standing around

right arm around her waist and leading her into the

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

said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was

airport early in the morning to pick up the Reeds? But hasn’t he been out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it must

with its opulent

across from them. George sat at the head of the table,

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Chapter 42

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

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

her father belittled her, her head

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

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

don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling as she tried to

figures strode into the hall from

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

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

his gaze shifting

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

opposed as if the very idea of allying with the Wellington family through

as he

silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of

tension and an unsettling

Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down with her son,

suddenly announced to

cut through the

before he began making his way toward the dining

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

lightened the mood with some talk about the

dare make a fuss. He ate politely, though his eyes often drifted toward

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

even more out of place with the entire