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.

hates women so much?” Vincent watched

Chapter 46

cake,

turned around sharply

and hesitated to

Stephanie, “Every year on his birthday, Dominick never goes to the office. He might be at the club or the bar. Do you want to go look for him,

kay,” she readily agreed.

had only asked her casually. “Stephanie, are you really that concerned about Dominick?” he asked with a

embarrassed and quickly denied, “No! I’ll go upstairs to change my coat…”

hair was tied up in a bun, and her delicate features were accentuated by light makeup. Stephanie looked youthful

around her neck.

toward the door together. Upon seeing how bundled up Stephanie was, Vincent couldn’t help but tease her, “Stephanic, you don’t need to dress

I

caught a cold,” she replied nonchalantly. Stephanie then pulled out her

and joked, “Oh, do you need to

“Yes, he said I

“Dominick usually

no one answered Stephanie’s

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

can’t you be reasonable?!” he

drove smoothly, and about 30 minutes later, it stopped at Flaming

the VIP entrance. It was her first time in such an upscale bar. As Stephanie looked at the luxurious decor, she felt like a country bumpkin in the city. “It’s quite

the center of the second–floor open lobby. Beautiful women with long legs were sitting by

VIP here. He then flashed her an ambiguous smile. “Stephanie, did you

widened slightly, and she pondered, “Dominick owns this place?! No wonder

Stephanie,

86%

Chapter 46

to,” Stephanie replied, her expression stern as

her. “Oh, you’re done for then,

me out. I’ll leave on my own,” Stephanie

imitation and wondered

facts about Dominick, the VIP elevator stopped on the 12th floor,

pretty… But she looks familiar,” another

said

have many close friends, and his few childhood friends

played dumb and apologized with a smile, “We’ve

with Vincent. Stephanie listened as they talked about stocks and investments. When the elevator reached the 22nd floor, Vincent exited first with a serious

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

Vincent had serious matters, she didn’t bother

didn’t forget to remind

nightclub in the 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 of glitz and

chaotic, but the top floor was completely different. It was comfortable and

upward rapidly. However, just