Crossroads

Chapter 46

Today was the Winter Festival. After having breakfast with the elders, Stephanie returned to Wellington Villa and sat on the living room sofa, looking somewhat dejected.

She muttered to herself, “So today is Dominick’s birthday…”

Yesterday, they had attended a class for expecting parents together. Stephanie had noticed that Dominick seemed to have mixed feelings about the Winter Festival as if he didn’t want to mention it..

She mumbled under her breath, “Does he not want me to know about his birthday?” Stephanie then wondered if it was because he feared she might bother him.

Since running into Jessica yesterday, Stephanie had felt rather downcast..

Jessica had deliberately mentioned the tie Dominick had left behind after staying there overnight, which was clearly trying to show her up.

Compete? Stephanie knew she had no grounds to..

Just then, a teasing voice came from outside the door. “Stephanie…”

Stephanie looked up toward the front door and was somewhat surprised. “Vincent, what are you doing here? Dominick isn’t home. He probably went to the office.

Vincent spake with certainty. “Dominick wouldn’t be at the office on a special day like today…”

He then stopped talking, and his eyes widened as he looked at the living room table. “Stephanie, did you buy this birthday cake?!” Vincent’s

tone was as if he were shocked.

Stephanie looked down at the birthday cake on the table and sighed.

Vincent sat down across from her and seriously asked, “Stephanie, did you know today is Dominick’s birthday?”

“Yeah.” Stephanie responded dully.

In fact, she had only accidentally heard the butler mention Dominick’s birthday that morning, so she had picked up her phone and ordered a cake. But when Stephanie brought the cake back, the faces of the butler and the staff at Wellington Villa were quite grim.

Stephanie pointed at the birthday cake on the table and curiously asked, “Hey, Vincent, do you know why this is…”

“The Wellington family never celebrates the Winter Festival,” Vincent replied gravely, raising an eyebrow slightly as he looked at her.

Stephanie looked somewhat astonished.

Vincent continued, “Dominick doesn’t like others celebrating his birthday. It’s best he doesn’t see this birthday cake. I suggest you throw it away quickly.”

He remembered six years ago when he and their friends had tried to celebrate Dominick’s birthday, and it had been a disaster.

“I got it,” Stephanie murmured, not pressing further since Dominick didn’t want her to know too much.

She hung her head low and held the one–pound delicious tiramisu cake as she walked up to the second–floor bedroom, planning to eat it in

her room.

do you know why Dominick hates women so much?” Vincent watched her dejected figure and suddenly called out, “It’s not

Chapter 46

your cake, but he

sharply and stared

looked troubled and hesitated

Stephanie, “Every year on his birthday, Dominick never goes to the office. He might be

kay,” she readily agreed.

“Stephanie, are you

quickly denied, “No! I’ll go

saw Stephanie come downstairs, she was dressed in a light pink foreign–style coat and skinny white pants. Her hair was tied up in a bun, and her delicate features were accentuated by light makeup. Stephanie looked youthful and radiant, though

around her neck.

seeing how bundled up Stephanie was, Vincent couldn’t help but tease her, “Stephanic, you don’t need to dress

I

I’d get scolded if I caught a cold,” she replied nonchalantly. Stephanie then

“Oh, do you need to ask Dominick’s permission

I must call him before going

was surprised, thinking. “Dominick

one answered Stephanie’s

at Vincent with a cunning glance. “If he scalds me, I’ll tell him it was your idea to

can’t you be reasonable?!”

regretting bringing her out. The car drove smoothly, and

first time in such an upscale bar. As Stephanie looked at the luxurious decor, she felt

of the second–floor open lobby. Beautiful women with long legs were sitting by the pool. Their laughter and banter blended with the misty ambiance. Stephanie marveled as she glanced

who was a regular VIP here. He then flashed her an ambiguous smile. “Stephanie, did you

and she pondered, “Dominick owns this

your husband’s bed. Stephanie, be smart. Don’t

86%

Chapter 46

know how to,” Stephanie replied, her expression stern as

nature well and tried to scare her. “Oh, you’re done for then, Stephanie. After you have the baby, you’ll definitely be despised and kicked out of Wellington

him to kick me out. I’ll leave on

her obvious imitation

some facts about Dominick, the VIP elevator stopped on the 12th floor, and two guests came in. Upon seeing Vincent, they immediately smiled pleasingly, “Mr.

really pretty… But she

demeanor vanished, and he said coldly, “This is my

friends, and his few childhood friends are all influential, especially that one from

they quickly played dumb and apologized with a smile, “We’ve had drunk too much, Mrs. Wellington. We’re

they talked about stocks and investments. When the elevator reached the 22nd floor, Vincent exited

the waitress; I have some business to discuss with them, I’ll join you shortly.” Vincent called a female waitress to escort her to the

Upon seeing Vincent had serious matters, she

Vincent didn’t forget

city. Those who came frequently were either affluent or influential, with many A–list celebrities and models making appearances, adding to the glamour and allure of the place. It was a world

Flaming Bar was chaotic, but the top floor was completely different. It was comfortable and quiet, and not just anyone

as she stood in the elevator, watching the floor numbers tick upward rapidly. However, just as the elevator doors opened on the 35th floor, she stepped