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

64%

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

to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t have the right to

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him a voice

raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through

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

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

the 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

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

up towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds

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

clothes,

as

Dominick who had

you doing standing around

arm around her waist

at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look back

honor that Dominick personally came to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman standing next to Gary, who was none other

he been out late with Jessica just the night before?” Stephanie believed it

Villa’s grand hall, with its opulent

across from them. George sat at the head of the table, and everyone exchanged a few pleasantries while Stephanie remained

64%

Chapter 42

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

plan it

I have always held the Wellington family in high regard, but I don’t believe my daughter is a suitable match for

belittled her, her head

heard that there is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was

will be treated badly in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to

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

figures strode into the hall from

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

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

head, his gaze shifting towards George, filled

a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband

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

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

hall of Wellington Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed uneasy, conscious of not wanting to

air thickened with tension and an

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

served.” Dominick suddenly announced

cut

George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds had not

lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s

He ate

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added to her

kept her head down, feeling even more out