Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 216

Stephanie's voice was soft and sweet, her nose slightly red. Her eyes were tear-filled, radiating a natural innocence that made her look obedient and gentle.

The word “dad” caught York completely off guard.

And… she was practically sobbing as she ran down the stairs, as if someone had deeply wronged her, leaving a trail of tears in her wake.

In her frightened state, she looked like a helpless little rabbit.

York didn't recognize her, but after listening to Patricia and Mark’s complaints for so long, he could guess who this unfamiliar face belonged to.

He looked at Stephanie, his expression one of surprise.

From what Patricia and her son had said, he had imagined the matriarch had found Jonathan a sharp-tongued, rebellious, and arrogant woman.

But the girl before him was soft and docile. How could she possibly have an aggressive bone in her body?

It was more likely that she was the one who had been bullied, given his knowledge of Patricia and Mark's personalities.

York stood there, studying Stephanie with a scrutinizing gaze.

Stephanie stopped about a yard away from him, her eyes rimmed with red.

Patricia frowned. What was she doing? Was she here to complain too? But if Stephanie had any sense, she wouldn't have come to York.

After all, Mark was the son of his later years, while Stephanie was merely a daughter-in-law who hadn't even been formally acknowledged by the family.

The choice of who York would side with was obvious.

Stephanie paid Patricia no mind, her gaze fixed on York.

At this point, Stephanie let a few tears fall.

“I’ve heard that on the anniversary of a death, the deceased is judged in the afterlife. Could he be trying to take her punishment upon himself?”

“How could he be so foolish? Kneeling in the chapel for three days without food or water is more than enough to show his devotion.”

“Besides, a wonderful person like Mother wouldn’t be facing any punishment in the afterlife.”

“She only has one son. Seeing him be so stubborn from heaven must be making her terribly anxious.”

Finally, Stephanie sank to the floor, her shoulders shaking with sobs, seemingly heartbroken over Jonathan's foolishness.

York’s stern expression gradually softened, especially when Stephanie mentioned his late wife.