Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 191

When Stephanie arrived, Quennel quickly walked over and sat down on the living room sofa.

Ternence must have given him a talking-to before she got there, because Quennel was much more restrained now. Though his gaze was intense, he didn't make any inappropriate moves.

Ternence’s question was exactly what Quennel wanted to know, and he listened intently.

Since she had already publicly announced her relationship with Jonathan yesterday, Stephanie answered truthfully. “Jonathan and I are married. We are legally husband and wife.”

However, she didn't volunteer the fact that it was a marriage of convenience.

Quennel’s breath hitched. He shot to his feet, agitated. “He tricked you, didn’t he?”

His emotions flared, and his eyes reddened slightly. “Stephanie, when did you two even meet?”

Stephanie told him plainly, “Not long ago.”

Quennel’s voice jumped several octaves. “And you still married him?! You’ve really outdone yourself, playing at some whirlwind romance? Do you have any idea what he wants from you? Stephanie, you’re just too naive!”

He paced anxiously for a few moments. “The second your situation was exposed, the first thing Jonathan did was kick me out of Meridian Consortium. You probably don’t know this, but he’s always been my bitter rival. He only seduced you and married you to get at me!

He took advantage of the situation! Just to make me suffer! Stephanie, he wants to swallow Meridian Consortium whole! You’re just a pawn to him! How could you be so foolish!”

With that, Quennel sank back onto the sofa in frustration, burying his head in his hands with his elbows on his knees.

“It’s all my fault. I should have known he would use this chance to get close to you. Meridian Consortium was the only thing your father left you, and now it’s in his hands… Getting it back won’t be easy.”

He helped her handle so many things, including the official paperwork for her father and two brothers’ deaths. Quennel had personally accompanied her to the registrar’s office.

Stephanie remembered standing in the hall, clutching their photos and sobbing uncontrollably, with Quennel standing silently beside her.

He didn't offer many words of comfort. Instead, when passersby cast confused glances her way, he used his own body to shield her from their prying eyes, like a young wolf fiercely guarding its own. He protected her in his own way, with a look of stubborn, unyielding determination.

It’s hard to forget the kindness and companionship you receive when you are at your most vulnerable. Even though Quennel had failed her, and Stephanie resented him for it, she couldn't bring herself to truly hate him.

Quennel suddenly looked her straight in the eye.

“You need to leave Jonathan first. I’ll figure out a way to help you with Meridian Consortium. The man is a lunatic. As for our… the house we were going to live in, if you don’t want to stay there… you should move back into the Gonzalez family home for a while, just so he can’t hurt you.”