Crossroads

Chapter 92

“Steffi has been with us for quite some time now.”

WEW

The sun rose a little earlier than it had in winter on this early spring morning, and the gray sky gradually turned white, George leaned on his cane by the intricately carved wooden railing of the veranda. He gazed at the expanse of precious flowers and plants ahead, with their buds beginning to bloom, presenting a scene of vibrant vitality.

How time flies, he mused.

Seeing the heavy morning dew, Brad approached with a thin coat, smiling, “After Mrs. Wellington gave birth to twins at the end of the year, things are gonna get lively around here.”

“Brad, I have a clear mind and a strong body. I don’t need this cont.” George raised his right hand slightly, asking him to take it back. He turned his head and looked at the east side, his expression thoughtful. He murmured, “There is one thing…” He trailed off. There was one

thing he couldn’t understand.

“Do you not understand why Mr. Wellington went to such lengths to marry Stephanie?” Brad recalled George’s earlier question in the dining hall. He wondered if they had known each other before.

“From what I can tell, Stephanie doesn’t remember Mr.Wellington…” Brad paused, and he became more solemn. He thought, ‘But Mr. Wellington clearly remembers her.”

“Do you remember Oreo from before?” George asked in a deep voice as he slowly approached the gazebo at the end of the veranda.

Brad followed behind. Momentarily stunned at the mention of “Oreo,” he nodded and said, “I remember.”

Of course, he remembered.

Oreo was the name of a puppy in the Wellington family.

“Grandpa, it wants my biscuit.

Dominick brought a dirty Labrador back from outside when he was three years old. It looked like an abandoned stray puppy.

How could the only heir of the Wellington family be allowed to touch something like that? It was too dirty, too dangerous. The household servants immediately moved to take the dog away.

“It’s mine.” The three–year–old boy’s voice was childishly innocent but clear and resolute.

The group of servants looked on with resignation as Dominick clutched the dirty puppy tightly, his face set in determination.

“Do you want to keep it?” George didn’t seem entirely opposed to the stray dog, quietly asking the child.

With a serious expression, Dominick pondered for a moment, then looked up, his voice still childish but firm. “It’s been following me everywhere, sneaking behind me the whole time….

perhaps finding the half–month–old pup a bit heavy, he gently placed it

in his hand and began feeding

seemed genuinely hungry,

think it likes me,” he said, sounding pleased and a bit proud to

you, so you bring it home. But did you ask it if it likes living here?” George was quite gentle

Sat, 22 Jun ■ –

Chapter 92

for taking

He lifted his little head,

his head, lowering his voice intentionally. “Dogs can’t eat

again, a little nervous. “Then, then I have other things I

bathe and vaccinate it.

pretty adorable.

were known for their docile and steady temperament. They were neither sluggish nor overly active and were friendly and loyal to humans. George thought it wasn’t bad to

a more

people weren’t allowed near him. Although a group of servants always followed him, George suddenly realized this over–protection might have

following me everywhere. I think it

child’s simple and direct words made them understand that perhaps Dominick had always longed to

different from ordinary families. Even walking carried a sense of solemnity. Dominick was raised in such an atmosphere from a young age, and he took taking care of

the stray dog was good.

good times didn’t

later, Dominick’s mother returned from abroad. When she saw Oreo running around the house, her face suddenly changed. She

Dominick is still so young.

the children, Dominick was very sensitive. He could

his little companion.

high heels became Oreo’s plaything. When discovered, she scolded the dog harshly and immediately ordered the servants

but couldn’t find Oreo that day. Dominick had hidden it

give him lessons, and he kept the dog locked in a cluttered room

was worried that his mother would drive the dog away and hoped

George returned, Dominick was informed that his puppy

the place and hungry. It tried to run out many times, but the main door was closed tightly. However, this secluded room used to be connected to the rockery, leaving a large gap at the bottom of the

this gap but got caught in the sharp wire. Its body was pricked

10:50 Sat, 22 Jun

Chapter 92

get out or go back in. It bled profusely. It struggled and whimpered for a

3800

it did wrong. It promises it won’t do