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%

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

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. I won’t cling to that

sent him a

sensing her irritation

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

mention those things anymore. Actually, Dominick has been really busy lately, so he

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

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

actions freezing upon hearing the Reeds

[By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick come

her clothes, her expression

as soon as

wasn’t just Dominick who had returned. The Reeds were with

doing

arm around her waist and leading her into the grand hall of Wellington

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

airport to pick us up,” said the stunning

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

hall, with its opulent 25-foot-tall crystal chandelier,

from them. George sat at the

64%

Chapter 42

the two of them are officially married, we’re family now, so

wedding, we’ll plan it

“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.

as her father belittled her, her

is no love between her and Mr. Wellington. It was just an accidental pregnancy. They don’t need to

worried that Stephanie will be treated badly in the Wellington family, aren’t you? That we might do something to her!” George said, his voice cold and unhappy

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

figures strode into

gracefully, laughing as she carried bags full of

in 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 boyfriend, but

gaze

Wellington. Besides, her ex-husband

if the very idea of allying with the Wellington

and commanding as he retorted,

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

with tension

inscrutable look in her eyes, had learned that the Reed family would be visiting today. She had intentionally come down

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to

voice cut

casting a glance at Dominick before he began making his way toward the

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

presented the dishes in an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It

mood with some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a smiling face as

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

appetite, and Kevin’s persistent stare only added

feeling even more out of place with