Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 115

When she didn't get a reply, Stephanie typed again: "Does he hit when he's drunk? Or just for no reason at all?"

If it was only when he was drunk, that was manageable. She just had to make sure there was no alcohol on the table when they talked business.

But if it was for no reason... Stephanie's cheeks puffed out, her expression grave.

On the other end, Jonathan was grinding his teeth, his fingers jabbing at the phone screen as if trying to poke a hole through it.

"When did he ever hit you? Why are you so scared of him?"

No wonder she had suddenly run off last night when they were having a perfectly good conversation. Was she afraid he would hurt her?

Stephanie replied, "He hasn't done anything to me yet, but I need to be mentally prepared."

Who knew when an abuser's mood might suddenly turn?

Jonathan's reply was cryptic: "Well, you certainly have a strong sense of crisis awareness."

Stephanie frowned. What was wrong with this Steven guy?

As Jonathan's assistant, he should be quick-witted, but they had been talking for a while, and he hadn't said a single helpful thing.

Since she couldn't get any information out of him, Stephanie decided to drop it.

She got to the point: "I'd like to see your boss this afternoon. Do I need to schedule a time with you first?"

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "Is knocking on the door downstairs that hard? Do you really need to make an appointment for that?"

"It's different. Since it's business, it's better to meet at the office."

There was no reply. Who knew what Steven was up to.

It was lunchtime. Stephanie tossed her phone aside and decided to make something to eat in the kitchen.

As soon as she got downstairs, she received a call from Monica.

"Stephanie, Zachary called me, wanting me to persuade you to come back. Well, you shouldn't indulge people like him. You did the right thing. So he regrets it now? Let him stew in his own anxiety."

They had never had a ceremony. Stephanie had been busy with work and couldn't find the time to plan a wedding reception.

The plan had been to get the license first, then pick an auspicious date for a simple meal with the Gonzalez family.

A wedding needs the blessings of family and friends, but she no longer had any family.

But thanks to Victoria's interference, they never got the license, and Quennel had to leave for a business trip halfway through the dinner.

Thinking about it now, Stephanie felt the whole... marriage was absurd.

Her father and brother must have been worried sick in heaven, which is why they did everything they could to stop them from being together.

Stephanie's mood soured. She lowered her eyes and said softly, "I'm not cooking for him."

Monica teased, "Why so shy?"

Deep in conversation, Stephanie didn't notice the sound of footsteps approaching from behind her.