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.

sudden, Stephanie felt like

in Serenburg for over a

would you mind telling me what Grandpa was so busy posing the

taken aback by the inquiry. She recovered quickly, casual smile playing on her lips.

mood to plummet and

Chapter 136

too, preparing herself a cup of coffee with careful, deliberate movements. Her fingers delicately turned the precious

you to meddle

Over by the lotus pond, the water lilies were in full bloom, their rare and noble varieties

admiration.

leaned on his cane, standing by the edge of the pavilion, gazing thoughtfully at the

him showed no interest in admiring the lotus flowers, growing somewhat impatient as he

be turning 81

austere and dignified expression,

droopy eyes stared directly at

instant, under the scrutiny of the elderly

I agreed

to return to one’s roots, which would allow one to let go of

past was already gone, and

I knew you felt guilty, but he had already

Screnburg

concern

need to

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

his eyes reflecting

strode away in

the

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

talk, but I’m not sure what about.

worry

on her phone, her brow furrowing in

Why does Hayley get to know, but not me? She

Chapter 135

at the mention of Hayley. [Is Hayley

like responding. She stood by the window, her gaze distant as she watched the magnificent lotus pond

Remember the chaos from