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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much time for you, and well, you know Jessica is still in the

not going to fall for Dominick. I know I don’t

sent him a voice

an eyebrow, sensing her irritation even through the phone

living with Dominick day in and

texted: [Hey, 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

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

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

door, her actions freezing upon hearing

vibrated again. Another message from Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come back to Wellington Villa

to him. She straightened her clothes,

ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived at

just Dominick who had

you doing

by her, casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading

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

to the airport to pick us up,” said the stunning woman

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

grand hall, with its

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 authoritatively,

we’ll plan it after

held the Wellington family in high regard, but

belittled her, her head bowed,

between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They

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

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

speaking, two figures strode into the

as she carried bags

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

gaze shifting towards

daughter has divorced once. She might not be a good match for Mr. Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband is Mr. Wellington’s cousin. The whole situation is simply absurd and bound to

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

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

deep silence. No one dared to speak. Even Gary seemed

with tension and an

She had intentionally come down with her son, as she was firmly opposed to Dominick’s

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at

voice cut through

silent. George scowled, casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his way toward the dining

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

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

Occasionally, Stella lightened the mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a smiling face as she discussed the mundane matters of the

fuss. He ate

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added

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