Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 264

Cora, finding the atmosphere dull, turned and left.

Elva stomped her foot in frustration, muttering, “Patricia was right. That Cora is nothing but a seductress!”

…

On the way here, Stephanie had learned from the butler that Mrs. Vasquez Sr. was not home today.

Apparently, a close childhood friend had a new great-grandchild, and she had gone to offer her congratulations in person, hoping to soak up some of their good fortune.

Stephanie knew perfectly well who Mrs. Vasquez Sr. was hoping would get lucky.

But having children was not part of Stephanie's current plans.

Cora's earlier comment about her being the “center of attention” was a subtle warning that Stephanie understood.

The Vasquez family didn't need a daughter-in-law who stirred up trouble. Moreover, yesterday's incident had been too public. York must have seen the video of Quennel carrying her out of the hotel.

Stephanie hadn't told Jonathan she was coming to the estate.

She didn't want to cause him any trouble.

Her relationship with York was already strained, and she believed she could handle the situation by being tactful.

She didn't want Jonathan to get into a major conflict with York on her account, which would only put her further in his debt, making it harder to repay him in the future.

In the dining room, the maids were setting the table.

York and Patricia were already seated.

York grunted a noncommittal “Mm.”

Patricia showed no embarrassment at being caught badmouthing someone to their face.

She smiled. “Stephanie, York asked you here today to ask what’s going on with you and that Gonzalez boy. You’re already married, so why are you still in contact? And why meet at a hotel? What were you doing in there?”

Just then, Cora also entered the dining room. She sat down next to York and accepted a towel from a maid to wipe her hands.

“Patricia, what’s the point of beating around the bush? Why not just ask her directly if she betrayed Jonathan and cheated on him? Though, as I recall, didn’t Jonathan clear everything up during the livestream yesterday? Besides, this is between the two of them. Jonathan hasn’t said a word, so why are you, an outsider, getting so involved?”

Patricia immediately retorted, “I’m thinking of the Vasquez family’s reputation! I’ve been in this family for years and even gave York a child. How am I an outsider?”

“And her relationship with that Gonzalez boy is unclear. If she ever ends up pregnant, how can anyone be sure who the father really is”