Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 221

When Jonathan saw she was done, he lifted his hand to look at the bracelet. He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile in his eyes. “What’s this?”

Stephanie replied, “It’s a protective charm.”

Jonathan’s gaze was unreadable. “You want me to be safe and sound?”

Looking at the miniature charm, he added, “Or… are you treating me like a baby?”

The white jade paired with the red string was actually quite striking.

Stephanie could tell from his expression that he’d long forgotten this was something he wore as a child.

But that was understandable. It had been over twenty years; it would be strange if he still remembered.

“This is your…”

Before she could finish, a servant came to call them for dinner.

Stephanie reached out and touched Jonathan’s forehead. It was slick with sweat, but at least the fever had broken.

In the dining room, the Vasquez family was seated in perfect order. Cora, the favored one, sat next to York in a stunning mermaid dress that drew everyone's eye.

It was said she was the favorite because of her striking resemblance to Grace. Stephanie took a second look; she truly was a great beauty.

Even Mrs. Vasquez Sr. had come down, but York was still nowhere to be seen.

Elva asked with a puzzled expression, “Where’s the master? Why isn’t he here yet? Should we send someone to check?”

Cora shot a meaningful glance at Stephanie and said, seemingly casually, “He’s on the phone. It sounded like it was from a younger man, someone named Gonzalez, I believe.”

At the mention of the name Gonzalez, Stephanie’s heart sank for no apparent reason.

A younger man named Gonzalez?

Could it be Quennel?

What could Quennel possibly have to say to York?

…

Meanwhile, in the study, York held the phone in his hand.

Quennel’s voice on the other end was calm and measured, more like a junior paying respects to an elder. “Mr. Vasquez, I heard that Ironhold Investment Group recently underwent a share transfer?”

York stormed into the dining hall, his eyes immediately locking onto Jonathan at the table.

He slammed the document down in front of him. “Explain this to me. What is going on?”

Jonathan casually raised an eyebrow, glanced at the papers, and said nothing.

Elva craned her neck to see, then turned to Stephanie with a soft smile.

“Stephanie, you’re now the largest shareholder in Ironhold Investment Group, aside from Mr. Vasquez himself! Are you planning on joining the company? This is wonderful news! Let me be the first to raise a glass and congratulate you.”

Elva’s announcement made it clear to everyone why York was so furious, even if they hadn’t known before.

Patricia was the first to explode.

Jonathan controlled the company, not only holding the real power but also the most shares after York. And her son had nothing!

Not a single share!

Patricia said anxiously, “Jonathan, you’ve been far too impulsive! How could you just give your shares to an outsider like that…”