Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 10

Stephanie had always dreamed of having a home of her own. Filled with beautiful hopes for the future, she had worked day and night supervising the villa's renovation.

Every detail of the house, from the major electrical and plumbing systems down to the color of the smallest decorative items, was designed and arranged by her personally.

At the time, she had a critical project at work, but the renovation was also at a crucial stage. She would work overtime at the office during the day, then rush over to revise the blueprints in the evening, often not finishing until the middle of the night.

She was barely sleeping a few hours a day. It was exhausting, but deeply fulfilling.

Quennel knew how much all of this meant to her. He knew everything…

So why would he sneak Victoria into their home behind her back?

Stephanie stumbled back two steps, her dark eyes filled with a profound sadness.

She looked so fragile, so vulnerable, like a vibrant flower that had lost all its beautiful color in an instant.

An immense wave of grief washed over her, enveloping her completely.

Everything around her faded into darkness. Her world suddenly collapsed.

Stephanie couldn't help but gag, feeling a wave of nausea.

Seeing her pained expression, Victoria felt a surge of satisfaction, but it wasn't nearly enough.

She added, "The pearl necklace from the auction this afternoon—do you know why Quennel lit a sky lantern and insisted on buying it for me?"

"Because I'm pregnant, Stephanie. I'm going to have Quennel's baby soon."

She stepped closer, looking down at her. "Was one enough, Victoria? Or should I even out the other side of your face too, you know, for good measure?"

Seeing Stephanie grab a wine glass from the table and move as if to smash it in her face, Victoria screamed in terror. "Stephanie, are you insane!"

Stephanie gripped the stem of the wine glass and slammed it against the wall. With a piercing shatter, the glass exploded into pieces.

She tightened her grip on the broken stem and advanced on Victoria. "You like to show off, don't you? Where's all that bravado now? I am not a clinging vine dependent on Quennel. And who told you the Jackson family is gone? I'm standing right here, aren't I?"

Victoria shrieked in fear and instinctively tried to back away, stumbling and falling to the floor.

Just then, Quennel returned. Seeing the scene, he rushed forward and shoved Stephanie away.