Crossroads

Chapter 173

It had been many years since Stephanie last came to the luxurious, 54 thousand square feet, foreign–style Pearson Villa. The villa looked exactly the same as she remembered, every inch of it still making her feel the same distaste as before.

As she stood in the middle of Pearson Villa’s grand hall, the shimmering crystal lights cast a glow on her delicate face. Yet, Stephanie was frowning as she observed the bustling crowd with a serious expression. She saw that the elegantly dressed guests were happily chatting and toasting. Numerous business and political figures had gathered to celebrate Teresa’s birthday.

“Oh, that’s Mr. Wellington from the Wellington family. Hello, Mr. Wellington…”

As Stephanie walked arm in arm with Dominick toward the inner hall of the banquet, they heard flattering voices along the way. “It’s a pleasure to see you here. It’s truly an honor…”

He barely acknowledged these people, responding with a slight nod and a blank expression.

“How has Mr. George Wellington been? I visited Wellington Villa during Christmas but missed you. It’s been ages since we last met. You probably don’t remember me anymore…“.

Vincent, with his usual smile, replied casually, “Sir, how could we younger folks ever forget you? You’re still in your prime. Every time I switch the TV channel, there you are giving a speech. It’s impossible to forget you.”

“You sure know how to make people laugh, Vincent. You’ve definitely inherited your grandfather’s charm…”

Vincent chatted with a man in his sixties. At such occasions, it was inevitable to engage in small talk.

Γ

Stephanie was surprised, as she had just seen this older man giving a solemn speech on the news yesterday. She then discreetly tugged on Dominick’s

‘s arm and whispered, “Isn’t that the old man who…” Her sneaky gesture was quite improper, prompting the old man to ask first, “And who might this be?”

It was only then that Dominick looked up at the old man and replied, “My wife, Stephanie.”

at the

prominent figure from television, and she felt a little tense. She quickly straightened up and respectfully

as “Mr. Johnson“, he paused for a second before his face lit up with joy as if feeling particularly proud. His eyes crinkled as he smiled, “So, you are Mr. Wellington’s

was standing nearby, had just taken a small sip from a cocktail he picked up from a waiter’s

a woman! Who on earth doesn’t know about Dominick’s precious wife? Stephanie is already infamous for her

definitely pester you with skincare questions if they see you. Feel free to bother them with any of your worries…” The formally dressed, imposing older man in front of Stephanie suddenly started chatting away. He even affectionately called her “Steffi”

Her previous impression of this dignified and stern figure from TV was utterly shattered. Stephanie then wondered

stray strands of hair from her chest and responded on her

embarrassed. He then quickly changed the subject, saying, “Sure… Take care of yourself.

the older man. “I’ll go rest over there. You all

“big shot” coming to Wellington Villa around Christmas to ask George for a favor, which the Wellington family had declined. It seemed

get involved in these complicated matters, so he reminded her as how he usually

She was unusually well–behaved

background, but they were nowhere

Chapter 173

of Pearson Villa with a complex the villa luxurious and dazzling, but after spending the

Villa remained unchanged, but she couldn’t help but

her neck to search around for the person she

Oscar

She used to find

around with her pregnant belly, so since the banquet hadn’t officially started yet, she patiently sat and waited, thinking she might

Pearson family’s only third–generation

a glass of juice and a piece of dessert cake. She sat alone at a small round table, gloomily poking at the mousse cake

were toasting and chatting with some elders in the distance. Dominick would occasionally

his brow, indicating he wasn’t in a good mood. Unfortunately, those people didn’t notice, or maybe they were too excited to meet Dominick, so they kept trying to engage him in