Crossroads

Chapter 136

“She’s my family affair, and none of you have any say in the matter.”

Dominick stood up abruptly, his presence commanding as he rose, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group with a voice that cut through the room like chilled steel,

Stephanie stood by his side, and her brow furrowed in curiosity. Across from her, Mary, usually formidable, now wore a hint of unease, a rare sight that hinted at her apprehension of her own son.

A palpable tension settled over the room, silencing even the most casual whispers as everyone pondered the unfolding scene.

“Come here.”

George’s command rang out, heavy and authoritative, before he turned and strode purposefully down the corridor.

Stephanie arched an eyebrow in surprise. She knew George was summoning Dominick, yet the latter showed no sign of moving

“Dominick…” She discreetly tugged at his sleeve.

“Mr. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington wishes to speak with you about an urgent matter.”

Brad’s voice was low, a gentle reminder in the midst of the tense atmosphere.

Dominick’s face hardened with impatience, as if their return had disrupted a fragile equilibrium.

Mary had returned, along with Yvonne and Hayley, both back from their travels abroad.

Hayley, always on friendly terms with the family, approached with a warm smile, breaking the tension. “It’s been over a month since our last meeting. Mr. George Wellington wants to speak with you about something important. You should go talk to him…

He cast a fleeting glance at Hayley standing before him, his lips tightening and his brow furrowing. With a decisive turn, he strode back down the corridor.

Stephanie remained rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on his retreating form, a sense of indescribable melancholy settling in her heart.

“Hayley, just treat this place like home. Yvonne and I will tidy up a room for you.” Mary’s voice carried warmth as she spoke to Hayley, who was an outsider, yet she didn’t spare Stephanie even a passing glance.

The maid ushered the recently returned mistress upstairs, leaving Stephanie and Hayley alone in the spacious living room.

“Hey there, it’s been over a month! Looks like your belly has grown quite a bit, Hayley greeted her warmly, her movements graceful as she naturally took Stephanie’s hand, guiding her to a seat. “Don’t just stand there. Come and sit down.”

Stephanie’s expression seemed delayed, simply nodding in response.

Stephanie felt like

in Serenburg for over a

mind telling me what Grandpa was so

by the inquiry. She recovered quickly, casual smile playing on her lips. “Didn’t

to plummet and she

Chapter 136

a cup of coffee with careful, deliberate movements. Her fingers delicately turned the precious white cup, raising it to her

any of you to meddle in my

refreshing, carrying a gentle and comforting fragrance. Over by the lotus pond, the water lilies were in full bloom, their rare and noble varieties

admiration.

the pavilion,

flowers, growing somewhat impatient as

be turning 81 in

an austere and dignified expression, yet

stared directly

elderly man, his heart felt burdened. He pressed his lips tightly, suppressing a hint of

mother… I agreed

to return to one’s roots, which would allow one

past was already gone,

but he had already recovered. As for your affairs,

Screnburg

don’t concern you,” he

no need to

cane fiercely against the floor. “Dominick, with a bullet in your brain, how

his eyes reflecting a complex

strode

George and the rest all

inexplicably uneasy. Unsure of what to do, she grabbed her

not sure what about. Any idea

worry about

on her phone, her brow furrowing in

to know, but not me? She quickly sent off

Chapter 135

piqued at the mention of Hayley.

watched the magnificent lotus pond in full bloom along the eastern corridor

more trouble. Remember the chaos