Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 211

As Elva was halfway through taking off her own bracelet, she noticed the one on Stephanie’s wrist—its color and quality were clearly superior.

Her face stiffened. “Is this… the Vasquez family heirloom? The matriarch just gave it to you?”

The Vasquez family heirloom was passed down through the women of the family, never the men. When Grace had first married into the family, Mrs. Vasquez Sr. had given it to her, but after her untimely death, it returned to the matriarch's possession.

It was a symbol of status, the very thing the three women of the house fought tooth and nail for every day. And now, it was on Stephanie’s wrist.

Uncertain of the family dynamics, Stephanie had deliberately worn the bracelet upon her arrival.

She seemed oblivious to the acidic envy in Elva’s tone. “I thought this bracelet was lovely, but I had no idea it was a family heirloom. I can’t possibly accept this. Elva, you have to help me convince Grandma to pass it on to you instead!”

Elva paused, then slid her own half-removed bracelet back onto her wrist. Hearing Stephanie's words, she couldn't dare agree, even though she desperately coveted the heirloom.

“Compared to what the matriarch has given you, my bracelet is nothing, Stephanie. I’ll find something else for you another day. Since Grandma gave you the heirloom, you should wear it proudly! Don’t let anyone take it from you!”

Stephanie nodded with a naive look on her face.

Elva, who never showed up without a motive, took Stephanie’s hand, feigning concern. “I heard about what happened out front earlier.”

“Patricia treasures that son of hers more than anything. She’s fiercely protective of him, even to the point of disregarding the matriarch. I doubt she’ll let this go. You need to be careful.”

Stephanie listened obediently.

“And that woman is a master of slander. She’ll smile to your face while plotting to stab you in the back. By the way, have you seen Jonathan yet? You should find him right away and have him protect you.”

At this, Mrs. Vasquez Sr., who had been silent, interjected unhappily, “You know perfectly well where Jonathan is. Why would you say that?”

Elva’s expression froze for a moment before she feigned recollection and slapped her forehead in frustration.

“Oh, look at me. I was so worried about Stephanie being bullied that I completely forgot Jonathan is still in confinement. My mistake, my mistake.”

Stephanie was taken aback. “Jonathan’s in confinement?”

Leave? She had come all this way. How could she leave without seeing Jonathan?

Stephanie said, “Grandma, I’d also like to go to the chapel to pay my respects to his mother.”

Mrs. Vasquez Sr. nodded. “I’ll have Jenny take you there.”

Soon, Stephanie arrived at the chapel, but the moment she pushed the door open, she froze in shock.

Jonathan was kneeling on the floor. His shirt was in tatters, laced with the distinct marks of a whip. Blood had seeped through, staining the pale gray fabric. Stephanie was wondering why he hadn't gotten up, despite being so injured.

As she drew closer, she saw why. His knees were pinned to the floor, locked in place by thick metal clasps, forcing him to remain in a kneeling position.

His head was bowed as if he were asleep, his face a pale mask. The kneeler on the floor was stained with a ring of long-dried blood. Stephanie’s heart hammered in her chest.

A terrible thought crossed her mind. Had Jonathan been locked in here like this for three whole days?