Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 161

Stephanie was silent for a moment before agreeing. "Alright, I'll be there on time."

"Bring Quennel with you," Susan added. "I haven't seen him since you two got married."

At that, Stephanie froze.

Susan didn't know that she and Quennel were over. It had been a long time since they'd had a real heart-to-heart.

"I'm afraid I can't," Stephanie said softly. "We... it's over."

Susan was taken aback. "You broke up? What about Meridian Consortium? Did you get it back?"

"Yes," Stephanie confirmed.

"Good. It's right that you took it back. If you're not interested in running the company, sell it. Just make sure you pick a good buyer."

It seemed her mother was on the same page as her.

Noticing someone approaching, Susan cut the conversation short. "Stephanie, I'll see you tomorrow, then."

Just as she hung up, Vivian appeared behind her.

Vivian, who was usually unbearably arrogant, actually took the initiative to greet her stepmother.

"Quennel and Stephanie broke up? Is it for good, or are they just having a fight?"

Susan didn't know the specifics.

But since Stephanie always put on a brave face for her, the fact that she'd even mentioned it led Susan to guess, "It's probably for good."

Vivian let out a snort of laughter.

"Is that so?"

"In that case, send Quennel an invitation too. Have him come to the birthday party tomorrow."

Susan frowned. "Stephanie will be there. Won't it be awkward if they run into each other?"

Vivian waved a dismissive hand. "What's so awkward about it? They move in the same circles. They're bound to run into each other eventually, so they might as well get used to it."

Everyone knew that Stephanie lived with the Gonzalez family and that she and Quennel were childhood sweethearts destined to marry.

For the wealthy young women at their elite school, becoming a homewrecker was out of the question; they'd be a laughingstock in their social circle.

So, even though Vivian had long been infatuated with Quennel, she could only admire him from a distance.

But now, Quennel was single. He and Stephanie had broken up.

That meant... she could pursue a relationship with him openly, without anyone gossiping behind her back.

At the very least, if they didn't date, a marriage alliance was also an option.

At the thought, Vivian's mood brightened considerably. Even her stepmother, Susan, suddenly seemed much more tolerable.

"You've been married into the Yates family for years. It's about time you did something to help with my marriage prospects."

Vivian's condescending tone returned. "Isn't putting on a show your specialty? Pretending to care so deeply about me in front of everyone?"