Crossroads

"You're always checking her Instagrami"

Furious, Claire lunged forward and snatched the phone from Kevin, who sat on the sofa,

"Claire, give me back my phonel" Kevin stood up immediately, glaring at her.

"Stephanie is Dominick's wife, and she's carrying his child. You wake up already!" Claire yelled back, exasperated.

"It's none of your business!" Kevin stepped forward and swiftly grabbed his phone back. His face was cold as he glared at the woman before him. "Leave here at once, Claire. You have no right to stay in Nelson Villa."

Ever since her past deeds were exposed, Kevin ground his teeth in hatred every time he saw her.

Claire felt guilty but raised her voice. "I know I have messed up, but we are married. We're a couple, and couples are supposed to forgive..."

"Spare me the disgust. Get out now!"

The thought of her colluding with Dominick to scheme against him made Kevin seethe with rage.

For days, Claire had been shamelessly clinging to him, convinced that he'd eventually forgive her. But after half a month, his attitude remained icy and hostile.

"Kevin, are you really going to stay hostile with me? The Reed family isn't to be trifled with!" she snapped, attempting to threaten him.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Kevin immediately sneered, "The Reed family? You've got some nerve bringing up them to intimidate me. What is Gary to you anyway? Stephanie never even mentions him. He's just your sister's husband."

His disdain for her was palpable as if he detested her very existence.

"My sister said if you dare to mention divorce, the Reed family won't let you off!" Claire retorted, her face flushed with anger.

Although their wedding had been called off, they were legally married. A second marriage would tarnish her reputation, so Claire clung to him.

"Oh, you think you can latch onto me because of the Reed family?" Kevin sneered, a mocking smile spreading across his face. "Claire, why don't you ask your sister if the Reed family is about to change its name? Sure, they seem prestigious with the Wellingtons' backing, but deep down, they know. They are under Dominick's thumb. Gary can barely protect himself. What makes you think you can threaten me?"

Kevin's expression was dark by the end, especially when he emphasized Dominick, practically spitting out the name with venom.

Stephanie's phone had been buzzing nonstop in the past few days, thanks to Molly's incessant pestering After dinner, she retreated to her bedroom, curling up with her laptop to browse pregnancy forums.

She assumed it was Molly calling again, but it turned out to be Samantha.

"Stephanie, how have you been lately? Has Dominick been good to you?" Stephanie had a bad feeling eeling when she heard her typically snobbish grandmother express concern. "We're just like a normal couple, nothing special"

"You should strive to be a loving couple, harmonious and affectionate, Talk more before bed to strengthen your bond..."

The more Stephanie listened, the more she sensed something was off. She cut straight to the point. "What's really going on?"

Samantha dropped the pleasantries, her tone urgent and commanding, "Steffi, tell Dominick that our family had no knowledge of the steel plates being swapped in the cross-sea bridge project last month. It was entirely Owen's doing. He is so greedy. Make sure Dominick doesn't misunderstand us. We cannot let this affect our family."

Stephanie was stunned. She remembered Owen vividly, especially the gruesome scene in the basement that Dominick had deliberately shown her.

"I can't meddle in company business," she replied, her tone complicated. "What kind of talk is that?" Samantha's fury was palpable through the phone. "If something happens to your father, your life won't be any easier. Our family practically lives on the Wellingtons' support. Think twice about what you should do." She hung up abruptly.

They saw her as nothing more than a tool, devoid of familial affection. She wished she could cut ties with them completely. 'How infuriating!"

she thought.

However, she put her phone down and sat on the sofa, contemplating the situation.

Dominick's support of the Reed family had given him a stranglehold over them. Stephanie doubted he would truly harm the Reeds. It seemed more like a tactic to keep them in check.

"No wonder no one dares to cross him..." she mused. They were all involved, somehow.

The business world knew that crossing Dominick was never wise.

"What are you doing?"

She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice the door opening until Dominick suddenly appeared before her.

Stephanie looked at him and tensed up instinctively. "Nothing, nothing at all.

"I was just looking at some posts on a parenting forum."

*She turned away, avoiding his gaze, and hastily came up with an excuse.

"Posts?" Dominick stood before her, his tone unreadable.

"Yes, this forum. There are many expectant mothers who frequently share their experiences," she explained earnestly.

Stephanie babbled, turning her laptop screen toward him to prove she wasn't lying.

"They say during pregnancy, men often feel frustrated and are prone to m cheating. So, they share methods on how to help their men.

She looked up, puzzled. "Dominick, what is a fleshlight?"

This time, Dominick's stern face froze for a moment.

"You are pregnant. Don't spend too much time on your phone and computer. Go to bed and rest," he said, changing the subject with a lowered voice.

Stephanie was much more compliant now. She quickly packed up her laptop, turned it off, washed her face in the bathroom, and went to bed.

Chapter 99.

Dominick showered in the study bathroom and returned to his desk to review documents, though he seemed somewhat distracted.

He could sense her fear of him.

Is it because of last time... he thought, looking out at the dark night through the windowXxrecalling when he had forcefully taken her to the basement. She was indeed frightened.

Feeling restless, he left the study and headed to the bedroom for rest Stephanie was already sound asleep.

She had been much more obedient lately. Dominick lifted the blanket and lay down beside her naturally.

Wrapping his arms around her waist, he gently embraced her. Stephanie didn't resist. She seemed to have grown accustomed to it. She nuzzled his chest slightly, her expression relaxed, and she slept peacefully.

Watching her small movements, Dominick felt an odd flutter in his chest, a mixture of emotions.

Running his fingers gently through her soft hair, he whispered, "Are you afraid of me?" His voice was low, almost a murmur.

He held her tighter, his lips close to her car.

"Stephanie, don't make me angry if you do." His voice was deep and stern, a mix of warning, frustration, and a touch of helplessness.