Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 126

On the other end of the line, Quennel exploded.

He had clearly heard Stephanie talking to another man.

A man!

There was a man with Stephanie!

And from their tone, they were very familiar with each other.

Wasn't Joseph working overtime at the office?

How could he be with Stephanie?

Had he snuck out?

Quennel's hand tightened around his phone. "Stephanie, who are you with?"

"My husband," Stephanie replied without hesitation.

Her voice was naturally soft, and when she said the word "husband," it sounded almost like she was cooing at the man in front of her.

A knot formed in Quennel's chest, a wave of irritation washing over him.

How dare she call someone else her husband?

They were childhood sweethearts, engaged since they were young.

He knew every man in Stephanie's life.

They had only been apart for a month. How had Stephanie become so rebellious?

"What are you two doing?"

"Stephanie, are you at home?"

"Tell the security at The Obsidian Circle to let me in!"

Ignoring Quennel's fury, Stephanie had already ended the call.

Quennel's face was grim. He stood there for a full half-minute before picking up his phone and making another call.

"Is Joseph at the office?"

On the other end, Julie was unfazed. This was nothing new.

"Ma'am, the trip ending in 8621, please confirm you've been dropped off."

After losing his job recently, Joseph had started driving for Uber to make some extra cash and had kept up the habit.

But just as he finished the trip, he received a call from Julie.

He was shocked. "A business trip to Aurelia? Leaving right now?"

Quickly, Joseph composed himself. "Is the P9 promotion a verbal promise, or is there a written agreement? As long as Mr. Gonzalez signs a contract, I'm happy to go."

…

Dinner was a full meal, with a bottle of red wine on the table.

Jonathan had a good appetite. Halfway through the wine, he suddenly looked at Stephanie and asked, "Who's Joseph?"

Stephanie paused for a moment.

Had he overheard her conversation with Quennel?

"A friend," she said softly. "A male friend."