Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 247

In the car.

Jonathan told the driver to head back to The Obsidian Circle. Worried Stephanie might be cold, he wrapped a blanket around her.

But as soon as he touched her hand, Jonathan realized her body was burning up, and fine beads of sweat were forming on her forehead.

He frowned, his eyes full of concern. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing…"

There were other men in the car. She didn't know Steven or the driver well, so Stephanie didn't want to say much.

Jonathan kept his eyes on her, his gaze fixed on her flushed cheeks, observing her every move. His expression was unreadable.

Fortunately, traffic was light at night, and they reached home quickly.

Since Stephanie wasn't wearing shoes, Jonathan carried her out of the car.

As soon as they entered the house, Stephanie ran to her room and locked herself in the bathroom.

On the way, Jonathan had wanted to ask her what had happened, why she was at the hotel with Quennel, and why she had gone back to their old home with him.

But remembering how she had frantically sought refuge in his arms, Jonathan felt that maybe things weren't as he had imagined.

Asking too many questions now would feel like an interrogation, especially since she seemed... terrified.

Jonathan lit a cigarette and didn't go in. He stood in the garden, smoking slowly to calm his nerves.

About ten minutes later, Steven approached.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "Did you find out?"

Steven nodded. "I've figured out the whole story. Tonight, the young madam was... lured to the hotel room by Victoria."

"Oh?" Jonathan's eyes narrowed dangerously.

Steven continued, "Victoria also used an app to hire three disreputable men... It was Quennel who arrived in time to stop anything from happening."

"Those three men have been sent to the police station. They'll probably be locked up for about half a month."

After all that, ending up right back where she started—Victoria would surely be devastated.

Jonathan's eyes were dark and bottomless. "That's not enough. For hurting Stephanie, for causing her so much pain… there needs to be some interest paid."

…

The Gonzalez family villa.

Quennel was in too much pain to sleep. His face throbbed.

Jonathan had been ruthless, beating him as if to kill. Even after applying ice for a long time, the swelling wouldn't go down.

He had a business forum to attend tomorrow, which required him to be on camera. It was his first public appearance since becoming the vice president of Verdant Grove Capital.

To make matters worse, Jonathan would also be there… The internet had been buzzing about it for days.

Quennel stood on the balcony, letting the cool breeze wash over him as he smoked, waiting for his driver to take him to the hospital.