Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 146

Stephanie asked, “Why?”

“Merging the business lines will cut unnecessary expenses for Ironhold’s subsidiaries, saving me money and maximizing profits for both companies. Didn’t you just say that what’s yours is mine?”

Jonathan’s tone was nonchalant, as if he didn’t see this as any loss to himself.

He sat on the bed, watching her. Stephanie’s fingers curled into her palms, still finding it hard to believe.

It all felt so unreal.

Seeing her silence, Jonathan added, “If you’re worried, I’ll have my lawyer draft a contract. Come by my office sometime and sign it.”

“However, after we get the company back from Quennel, I will personally take over for a while.”

Stephanie had no objection to that.

Quennel had worked at Meridian Consortium for years, and the company was filled with his people.

A sudden change in CEO would inevitably lead to a long period of instability. Jonathan stepping in personally would do a lot to steady the ship.

“Once the merged operations are stable, we can hand it over to a dedicated team from Ironhold Investment Group. Or, if you become interested in management later, you can take over Meridian Consortium yourself.”

Stephanie bit her lip.

So he wasn't buying Meridian Consortium, but helping her manage it.

She would remain the largest shareholder, with her equity firmly in her hands.

Not only that, but Jonathan was also merging his own company's business lines into hers.

How was this any different from winning the lottery?

Stephanie knew she had lucked out, big time.

Any suspicion she’d had about Jonathan instantly vanished.

Even the gloom that had hung over her all day began to lift.

“Why… are you doing this?”

“Didn’t you say it yourself? We’re husband and wife. What’s mine is yours.”

Stephanie’s eyes fluttered.

This… wasn’t the Jonathan she thought she knew.

Her kiss was innocent and inexperienced, a clumsy exploration that felt like a fawn nibbling at grass—a soft, ticklish sensation on his lips.

And yet, that very innocence was what made it so incredibly alluring.

Instinctively, Jonathan wrapped a large hand around her waist, pulling her body closer to his.

When he spoke, his voice was impossibly hoarse. “Stephanie, are you so moved you want to offer yourself to me?”

There was some truth to that, but it was only part of the reason.

Stephanie looked up into Jonathan’s eyes.

She knew that saying it was out of gratitude would kill the mood.

Stephanie’s beautiful eyes sparkled. “Couldn’t it be that… I’m just lusting after you? That I’m lonely and needy?”

Her words caught Jonathan by surprise. He studied her intently, as if trying to discern whether she was being serious.

The alcohol had started to kick in, making Stephanie bolder.

She reached out and poked his sexy Adam’s apple with her fingertip. She’d wanted to do that for a while.