Chapter 68
In the past week, every time Stephanie passed by the study, her gaze lingered on the sturdy door, her expression complex as she yearned to
enter.
The old documents in the study fueled various speculations in her mind, yet she never had the opportunity to explore them.
Dominick was busy with the group’s 50th–anniversary celebration, and Vincent and the others frequently visited. They spent late hours in the study discussing matters.
“I didn’t attend the opening ceremony of the new company in Westerfield…”
They had just finished breakfast when Dominick’s phone began buzzing.
His face darkened upon receiving a report, his voice cold as he reprimanded. “You can’t even get such a simple task right!”
Stephanie couldn’t help but sneak a glance at him upon hearing the anger in his voice.
The company seemed to be facing some trouble. It was unusual for Dominick, who usually remained indifferent to business matters.
“Is it Wyatt and the others…” Even George, who was sitting in the middle of the sofa, raised his eyes and looked at him:
Dominick’s face showed a hint of anger, and he hung up the phone without answering George’s words.
“After all, they have been with the company for thirty years. Don’t go too far on this, George reminded vaguely.
With Dominick in charge of the company now, the retired George wouldn’t interfere too much.
Suddenly, George turned to Stephanie beside him. “Steffi, you’ve learned social dancing, haven’t you? Tonight is the Innovate Group’s 50th
dance…” anniversary gala, and you’re needed for the opening
“She won’t be going,” Dominick interjected coldly.
Stephanie faltered. A mix of emotions crossed her face as she lowered her head without protest.
The Innovate Group’s 50th–anniversary gala must be grand, with Dominick and his partner leading the first dance.
It was evident that his partner wasn’t her.
It should be Jessica.
After spending some time accompanying George, Stephanie retired to her bedroom.
She wasn’t intentionally paying attention to Jessica, but Jessica had recently posted a wedding photo from three years ago, quickly becoming the talk of the town.
It was because the man in the photo, with his stern profile, was presumed to be the renowned scion of the Wellington family, the CEO of the Innovate Group.
The media dared not report much about Dominick, so this time, Jessica took the initiative to post that photo, which was quite shocking to people. Some even speculated that Jessica had already married Dominick.
“No wonder she despises me so much,” Stephanie muttered as she sat on the bed and checked her phone. Then she lay down, staring at the ceiling.
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She pondered, “If it weren’t for me getting pregnant with Dominick’s child, he would have undoubtedly married Jessica upon her retum.
Stephanie subconsciously stroked her abdomen..
She had been pregnant for three months. Perhaps because she was thin, although she was carrying twins, it didn’t look obvious, but she could feel the little life inside her belly.
“He married me because I was pregnant. This marriage would eventually end, and quite soon.
Thinking of Dominick, she felt an inexplicable hint of reluctance.
Stephanie was startled. She quickly got out of bed, forcing herself not to think about him.
At this moment, her phone beside the bed suddenly rang
100
Stephanie looked at the number displayed on the screen. It was Diana from the sanatorium, and she immediately pressed the answer button.
Before she could speak, the nurse on the other end quickly said, “Ms, Reed, your aunt suddenly fainted yesterday.”
“Is she alright? Why did she faint out of the blue?” Stephanie immediately grew anxious.
Diana had been staying at the nursing home for two y
years, and the doctors and nurses there were quite familiar with them.
“You don’t have to worry too much, Ms. Reed. Diana is fine. I’m just following protocol by informing you.”
“You should have told me yesterday.” Stephanie didn’t mean to blame. She was just worried.
“Diana insisted we not contact you yesterday,” the nurse explained with a hint of discomfort.
Sighing, she continued, “I’m not entirely sure about the details. Her health has been much better lately. Yesterday, she was watching TV alone in her room and suddenly started cursing at some entertainment news. Then she fainted in a fit of rage.”
“What news?” Stephanie asked, perplexed.
ut your divorce with Kevin!”
“I already know about your
Diana snatched the phone from the nurse, her voice laden with anger. “Steffi, why have you been hiding your divorce from me all this time? If I hadn’t seen the news coverage of Kevin’s wedding with that woman Claire Peterson on TV, were you planning to keep it from me forever?”
Hearing Diana’s voice, Stephanie felt a mix of surprise and guilt.
“I’m sorry,” she said, her expression sheepish,
“Diana, I didn’t mean to. I just…” she nervously explained, as Diana’s usually gentle demeanor rarely gave way to such cold tones. “Steffi, you know why I’m upset. I’m angry that you haven’t told me anything, and I’m angry that my own heart condition is burdening you.” Diana’s voice trembled with emotion, her right hand tightly gripping the phone, saying, “I understand you were concerned about my health and hesitated to tell me. But why did Kevin divorce you? Why did he marry Claire Peterson? Did those Peterson sisters harass you again, causing problems? My sister was already pushed to her death by them…”
The memory of her mother’s suicide made Stephanie even more despondent.
“Diana, I got divorced three months ago, You don’t have to worry about me.” She was silent for a while and whispered, “I am not fond of Kevin anymore, and whoever he marries has nothing to do with me.”
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Chapter 68
Steffi, even if you didn’t tell me, I know you haven’t been happy these past few years after marrying Kevin.”
Diana’s voice was calm, tinged with sadness. “You suffered with me when we left the Reed family. I can’t do anything for you now. I’m just worried you’ll sacrifice yourself for my illness.”
“I didn’t…” Stephanie almost instinctively countered.
“Steffi, don’t fall in love with people you shouldn’t. It’ll only bring you pain. Leading an ordinary life might just be a blessing.” Diana didn’t delve further and tried to suppress those memories. She knew this pain well and didn’t want Stephanie to make the same mistake.
Stephanie held the phone, looking down at her abdomen.
“I understand,” she responded softly.
After hanging up the phone, Stephanie looked around the luxurious and spacious bedroom, her gaze lingering on his pillow.
“Dominick,” she whispered his name.
Stephanie had to admit that falling for a man like him was all too easy.
She wasn’t sure if it was love.
But she might have a little liking for him, no matter how much she denied it. She did care about him.
Dominick was the man she shouldn’t fall for.
She wouldn’t let herself get too deeply involved, and even if she did like him, she wouldn’t admit it.
‘What is the connection between Dominick and Claire? Why did he help her?‘ Stephanie was very curious about these.
After thinking for a long time in the bedroom, she suddenly got up and, once again, unwilling to give up, headed towards the study.
She turned the doorknob and found it locked.
She had tried several times this week, but there was no chance of getting in.
Tonight was the Innovate Group’s 50th anniversary celebration. The entire Wellington family was filled with joy, and even George and Brad attended. However, Stephanie stayed home. She didn’t go because Dominick had emphasized that she didn’t need to attend.
Dominick didn’t really like her going out. Perhaps he felt that her going out would embarrass him.
“Stephanie didn’t come?”
The Innovate Group’s anniversary celebration was in full swing at the Gordon Hotel, with charity events, prominent figures, and even A–list
celebrities in attendance.
By seven o’clock in the evening, the event hadn’t officially started yet, but Vincent and Scott were already present, sipping drinks and chatting in a private room.
“Dominick, did you forbid her from coming?”
Vincent glanced at the man sitting across from him on the sofa, then handed him a glass of wine.
Dominick took the glass but remained silent.
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Vincent shrugged, accustomed to his lack of explanations. “When the party officially starts, you’ll be leading the dance. Who’s your partner.
tonight?”
Secretaries, socialites, movie stars… The women at the event eagerly anticipated the chance to be his dancing partner. Dominick wouldn’t lack one as long as he desired.
“Could it be Jessica?” Vincent muttered in frustration.
“Anthony will lead,” Dominick said coolly.
At the 50th anniversary gala, even George and major shareholders were present, yet Dominick chose his deputy, Anthony Kellman, to have
the first dance.
It sounded unconventional, but if Dominick said so, it shall be.
Dominick seemed indifferent to the anniversary gala, but nothing interested him much these days.
Suddenly, Vincent remembered something else. “By the way, Dominick, Jessica has been receiving anonymous threats lately, even one
written in blood.”
Jessica was one of his artists, and given her ambiguous relationship with Dominick, Vincent paid extra attention to her.
“You don’t have to tell me anything about her,” Dominick replied disinterestedly.
Vincent was surprised that Dominick seemed to be uninterested in Jessica’s situation.
“Have you found out anything about the Reed Group?” Dominick ignored Vincent and turned to Scott.
Scott was busy typing on his laptop, his fingers flying skillfully over the keys. “I’ll send you the information,” he said, then hesitated for a moment before asking, “Do you really want to help Gary Reed?”
The so–called richest man in Caelorium was actually heavily in debt, and the Reed family’s proposal for restructuring was essentially a pleat for financial assistance from the Wellington family.
“Given the circumstances, the funding is quite substantial,” Scott remarked as he looked at the data on his laptop, his tone cryptic. “Is it really
worth it?”
“It’s not just about the current losses. The Reed Group’s foundation is quite stable.” Dominick suddenly picked up a glass of wine from the
table and took a sip.
“Some things can only be managed when there’s a connection between the two.” His words carried a hint of meaning as if discussing business yet alluding to something else.
Vincent watched him with widened eyes, silently grateful he wasn’t Dominick’s enemy
Scott chuckled, “I noticed that Gary Reed doesn’t seem too keen on letting you help.” He thought, “That’s strange.‘
“Maybe he’s afraid of Dominick,” Vincent murmured.
Ever since Dominick parachuted into the Innovate Group, he had spent three months overhauling this vast corporate empire with strong and ruthless tactics.
In the current circle, whether newcomers,or elders, they were all afraid of Dominick
Scott knew that Dominick had openly provoked public outrage and overturned the interests of many people, so he reminded him,
Chapter 68.
“Dominick, I heard there was a bloodbath at the Westerfield branch last week. Be careful”
Those pushed to their limits could do anything, so it was wise to have extra bodyguards when going out.
Dominick glanced at the clock on the wall. He was uninterested in the grand gala and suddenly felt the urge to leave.