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

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

angrily sent him a

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through

feeling after living with Dominick day in and day out…

really busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be

looked at the message he had just sent and thought for a moment. Since Dominick was busy with Jessica, he was

door. “Mrs. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington has asked you to come to the main hall.

up towards the door, her actions freezing upon hearing

Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did

reply to him. She straightened her clothes, her expression turning somber as she headed

as soon as she arrived at the main

who had returned. The Reeds were

doing

by her, casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her into the grand hall of

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

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

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 be George who instructed

hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal

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

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

wedding, we’ll plan it after

expressionless, devoid of any 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

listened as her father belittled her, her head bowed, silently

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

the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might

at all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney

as Courtney finished speaking, two figures strode into the hall from

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

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

his head, his gaze shifting

for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband

was adamantly opposed as if the very idea of allying with the Wellington family

as he

hall of Wellington Villa fell into a deep silence. No one dared to

tension and

She had intentionally come down with her son, as

is served.” Dominick suddenly announced to

voice cut through the

other guests remained silent. George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his way toward the dining room, leaning heavily on his

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

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

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

no appetite, and Kevin’s persistent

kept her head down, feeling even more out of place with the entire Reed