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

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

provoked. Stephanie angrily sent him a voice

raised an eyebrow, sensing her

after living with Dominick day in and

busy lately, so he hasn’t had time to be with you. He asked me to take some time to drive you to visit your

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

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

her actions

Vincent: [By the way, Stephanie, did Dominick

her clothes, her expression turning

Stephanie’s surprise, she ran into Dominick as soon as she arrived at the main

Dominick who had returned. The Reeds were with

are you doing standing around

casually wrapping his right arm around her waist and leading her

was foggy as she glanced at Dominick beside her. Then, she turned to look back at Gary,

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

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

its opulent

Dominick while Gary and Courtney were seated across from them. George sat at the head of

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Chapter 42

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

we’ll plan

remained 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

her father belittled her,

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

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

mean at all. Please don’t misunderstand…” Courtney quickly said, smiling as she tried to appease

speaking, two figures

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

just 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 shifting

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

opposed as if the very idea of allying with

and commanding as he

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

tension and

Reed family would be visiting today. She

served.” Dominick suddenly announced to the butler at his

cut

he began making his way

11:29 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 42

servants presented the dishes in an orderly fashion, having prepared an elaborate menu to welcome the Reed family. It was a gathering George had initially hoped would be celebratory. Unexpectedly, the Reeds had not agreed to

some talk about the company’s affairs, and Courtney kept a

a fuss. He ate politely, though

persistent stare only

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