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

unwittingly turned

face always lacked warmth. Stephanie cast her gaze downward,

breakfast.” Hayley’s voice broke the awkward silence, showing her habitual smile attempting

tension.

are you doing

moment, a familiar figure

naturally around Stephanie’s waist, his gaze catching her disgruntled expression. “You’re still sleepy from being woken up

vented her dissatisfaction under her breath.

arched an eyebrow slightly, amused

“Let’s get breakfast started.”

the dining room with

maintained a solemn atmosphere reminiscent of the previous evening. Conversations were sparse, and even the act

Chapter 138

order to not make that loud of

Stephanie noted

George’s demeanor this mont

look as stern as the

been summoned early

to the family business. Recently, there had been rumors surrounding Dominick’s severe car accident injury, a concern that had weighed

what exactly had kept George occupied for over a month in

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

slightly, handing her a pristine

blush, too embarrassed to meet his gaze, Silently, she accepted the handkerchief and casually dabbed at the

but discerning as he studied her

His

question unsented Step

“No, she

glass of milk, pretending to be incredibly thirsty, and gulped it

there’s more milk here, would you

drained her half–glass and

woman in front of her. Reluctant to accept, she smiled back weakly. “Thank you,

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

“What’s the matter?”