Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 47

Mrs. Vasquez Sr. wanted to ask how their first night together had gone.

But she was afraid of being nosy. Young people these days valued their privacy, after all.

Stephanie said, "Grandma, I'm in a hurry to get somewhere right now. Can we talk when I get back?"

"Of course, of course! You go do what you need to do!"

Mrs. Vasquez Sr. beamed, her eyes crinkling. "If my grandson gives you any trouble, you just tell me, and I'll sort him out for you!"

Stephanie paused, finding that odd. Isn't her grandson in the military?

But she didn't dwell on it, assuming the elderly woman was just a little confused.

Soon, Stephanie arrived at the villa.

The moment she stepped inside, however, she sensed something was off.

The sky had grown completely dark, but the villa was pitch-black. No lights were on, and it didn't look like anyone was there.

Did I take too long on the road? she wondered. Maybe the buyer thought I wasn't serious and left?

Stephanie unlocked the door with her fingerprint and fumbled along the wall for the light switch.

But after several tries, nothing happened. The room remained dark.

Are the lights broken?

She was about to check the circuit breaker when an arm wrapped around her from behind. A warm breath tickled her ear.

"You're back?"

It was Quennel. His large hand gripped her waist, his voice raspy, as if he'd been drinking.

Stephanie frowned. Hadn't the agent said Quennel had moved out?

Quennel looked down. "Have you forgotten that Meridian Consortium is still in my hands?"

Every time Meridian Consortium released its quarterly report, Stephanie would come to his office. But not this time.

It was a habit formed over many years, and Quennel knew she hadn't forgotten. She wasn't coming because she didn't want to bow down to him over business matters. She was just being stubborn, trying to protect her so-called pride.

Quennel was certain: Stephanie needed him. She needed his help to run the company.

"Oh, that's right. You're the CEO of Meridian Consortium."

Stephanie said, as if just remembering. Her expression was unreadable as she took two steps back, putting distance between them.

"Well, since you're so powerful, spending two or three billion to buy this villa should be no problem for you, right?"

Quennel was stunned. "How much?"

Stephanie sneered. "This house was my engagement gift. You didn't expect to buy it back at market price, did you? Consider it compensation for my emotional distress, Mr. CEO."