Crossroads

Chapter 138

Stephanie was gently nudged awake by Sandra at seven in the morning.

Sandra’s words carried a gentle urgency, reminding her that with George and Mary now both at Wellington Villa, sleeping in late could potentially stir up unwelcome gossip and affect their reputation. “I’ll be more mindful from now on.” Stephanie replied gratefully, appreciating Sandra’s concern. With the elders back, she couldn’t afford to be seen as careless or disrespectful.

After quickly freshening up in the bathroom and changing into suitable attire, she hurried towards the main house.

Hayley, how was your night’s rest?”

Pausing at the doorstep, Stephanie caught snippets of conversation drifting from inside. A complex mix of emotions swirled within her as she listened intently.

Hayley had spent the previous night at Wellington Villa…

She knew she shouldn’t jump to conclusions, but despite the numerous guest rooms, she recalled the family’s strict rules about overnight guests who weren’t closely related.

Did Hayley not qualify as an outsider?

“Hayley, you’re practically family. Why not consider staying permanently at Wellington Villa? It would save you the trouble of finding a separate residence. Both Yvonne and I love your company… Mary’s voice carried warmth and reassurance, hinting at a bond beyond mere acquaintance.

Hayley responded with a bashful tone, declining softly, “Mr. George Wellington has his rules, and I wouldn’t want to impose.”

Mary’s tone turned confident. “Don’t worry about that. Dominick has promised to look after you. Just bring it up with him, and I’m sure everything will work out…

Dominick promised to look after her!

“Mrs. Wellington.”

Suddenly, the maid passing by the doorway called out, her voice breaking the quiet hur of morning sunlight filtering through the windows.

The two women in the living room swiveled their heads towards Stephanie with a synchronized motion, their expressions freezing into masks of surprise and uncase. The atmosphere thickened with unspoken tension.

“What kind of manners are these, eavesdropping on other people?” Mary’s voice cut through the air, her tone cooling as she fixed her gaze on Stephanie, her eyes betraying a hint of disapproval. “How did your parents educate you?”

Stephanie’s features tightened involuntarily. She felt the urge to retort, to defend herself against the implication, but she restrained the impulse, her lips pressed together in a firm line

had unwittingly turned her

always lacked warmth. Stephanie

come on over and get ready for breakfast.” Hayley’s voice broke the awkward

tension.

you doing standing

that moment, a familiar figure quickened his

slipped naturally around Stephanie’s waist, his gaze catching her disgruntled

at him, Stephanie vented her dissatisfaction under her

slightly,

“Let’s get breakfast started.”

dining room with measured steps,

atmosphere reminiscent of the previous evening. Conversations

Chapter 138

not make that loud of

Stephanie noted a noticeable

George’s demeanor this mont

look as stern

been summoned early in

discussing matters pertaining to the family business. Recently, there had been rumors surrounding Dominick’s severe car accident injury, a concern that had weighed heavily on George’s mind. Yet, Stephanie

had kept George occupied for over

more when George suddenly glanced her way. Startled, she immediately averted her gaze, feeling a rush of nerves, and clutched the spoon

slightly, handing

Silently, she accepted the handkerchief and casually dabbed at the corner of her

voice was soft but discerning as he studied her

His

question unsented Step

further. “No,

the grasped a glass of milk, pretending to be incredibly thirsty,

here,

opposite her, Hayley noticed Stephanie had drained her half–glass and smiled warmly as she offered her own

smiled back

down, Dominick admonished, glaring at her with frustration, picking up another clean handkerchief, and gently

“What’s the matter?”