Crossroads

George glanced at her nonchalantly, seemingly unconcerned that she had overheard the conversation He advised with an authoritative voice, "Try to minimize exposure to electronic radiation while you're pregnant." Saying this, he looked toward the smartphone that had fallen to the floor.

Stephanie huntedly picked up the phone, replying, "Understood."

"Mrs. Wellington, the Christmas is approaching, so we've scheduled your wedding with Mr. Wellington for after the holidays. It'll be a small ceremony. just close family, considering the pregnancy. We'll throw a bigger bash for the baby's one month celebration later," Brad explained the wedding plans to her.

"Okay"

Stephanie had no objections. She figured she'd be long gone from Wellington Villa by the time the baby arrived.

However, with Christmas nearing, Stephanie remembered something else. Her aunt might have already returned to the apartment.

"About your aunt... George seemed to guess her thoughts and spoke in a grave tone, scrutinizing her

"Your aunt, Diana Clark, has congenital heart disease. We've already contacted the hospital and are actively searching for a suitable donor..."

Stephanie froze upon hearing this, her eyes slightly reddening.

Her aunt's illness had always been her main concern, which worsened over the years. She could do nothing but helplessly watch the one of her family she depended on grow increasingly frail.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice choked with emotion She had never expected George to offer help willingly. If it could really save her aunt's life, she could do anything in return.

Stephanie looked up at George, who was seated at the end of the sofa, and cautiously asked, "Grandpa, may I go back for a while?"

George, with an imposing demeanor, narrowed his eyes and stared at her for a long while without responding. Instead, he turned his head away, ignoring her.

Seeing George didn't respond, Stephanie felt somewhat anxious.

"We won't restrict your freedom, Brad said gently.

As he spoke, Brad gestured to a maid at the door, instructing her to call a driver to take Stephanie back to her apartment.

Stephanie shot Brad a grateful look. "I'll leave now, Grandpa," she said to George.

With careful steps, she followed the maid, leaving the room.

"Do I really look that scary?"

Just as Stephanie stepped out the door, George spoke in a deep voice, slightly annoyed. "Why is she scared of me?

Brad couldn't help but chuckle, "Mr. George Wellington, everyone's afraid of you. Everyone except Mr. Wellington, of course."

Even the most powerful business moguls treated George with respect... maybe even a tinge of fear. Stephanie was just a young woman, and both George

and Dominick had similar, unapproachable temperaments.

"Mr. George Wellington, you seem quite fond of Stephanie."

"Don't be ridiculous! George's face showed mixed emotions as he scowled. "I just think this Stephanin is a bit better than that Jessica before Brad chuckled but wisely kept his mouth shut.

Stephanie sal in the luxurious Wellington car as it headed back to her old apartment.

"Could you pull over here, please? I'll go inside by myself..."

Stephanie suddenly spoke up to the driver. If she showed up in a om Wellington limo that would certainly become the talk of the entire neighborhood.

"Of course, Mrs. Wellington. I'll wait here for you, please be careful,"

The driver agreed and gave her a reminder. After all, she was carrying the Wellingtons child, and any accident could have serious consequences

Stephanie nodded at him, opened the car door, and stepped out.

The apartment building was a five-story relic with no elevator in sight. Even the streetlights flickered in the old neighborhood, far from the city center.

She finally reached the fifth floor after climbing the stairs and took out her keys, intending to open the door, only to find it already ajar Stephanie's face lit up, thinking that her aunt must be back from the sanatorium!

"Aunt Diana, are you here?" she exclaimed as she pushed the door open and quickly stepped inside.

But as soon as she entered, she saw a man standing in the living room of her small apartment.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org