Next Man Better Plan novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Wilma’s face turned green. “A private investigator? You hired a private investigator to look into him? Stephanie, you can’t do that! It will ruin your marriage!”

The commotion downstairs disturbed Ternence Gonzalez in his study.

He opened the door and, upon seeing Stephanie, greeted her warmly. “Stephanie, you’re back.”

Stephanie looked at him, her eyelashes fluttering unconsciously.

If her father were still alive, he would probably have graying hair just like Mr. Gonzalez.

Years ago, their two companies had collaborated on a major project. Mr. Gonzalez was supposed to meet with a supplier, but something came up at the last minute, and her father and two brothers went in his place.

On the way back, the car the supplier had arranged for them crashed. All three members of the Jackson family were killed instantly.

Overnight, Stephanie lost her beloved father and her two doting brothers.

A few days later, her mother abandoned her too.

Recalling the past, Stephanie lowered her gaze

But she quickly looked up again, her exquisitely beautiful face determined. “I want a divorce from Quennel. And I’m taking my father’s company back.”

Her voice was soft, but her eyes were resolute

As her words hung in the air, the living room fell into a dead silence.

Ternence asked in surprise, “Why the sudden talk of divorce? Isn’t Quennel treating you well?”

All told, they had only been married for a few days. While there was no wedding ceremony, all the necessary formalities had been observed.

Stephanie had no family of her own to represent her, so Ternence had made the decision to give the wedding gift from the groom’s family directly to her.

It was an incredibly valuable villa, worth over a billion dollars. By all accounts, she was highly cherished.

Stephanie’s delicate brows furrowed. “You can ask Mom for the specific reason.” She didn’t want to elaborate.

When her father passed away, Stephanie was still a minor and lacked the ability to manage the company on her own.

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Chapter 5

So, for all these years, Meridian Consortium had been managed by Ternence.

Later, as the Gonzalez family’s business empire expanded, Ternence found himself spread too thin and handed over control of Meridian Consortium to Quennel.

In their minds, the two children had been engaged for years and would eventually marry

anyway.

Now, Quennel was the specially appointed CEO of Meridian Consortium.

Hearing this, Wilma was displeased. “Stephanie, don’t say things you don’t mean just because of a small argument. Divorce isn’t something to be thrown around lightly. What couple doesn’t fight?”

“Besides, Quennel is doing a great job as CEO. If you suddenly demand the company back–he might not care, but have you considered whether you’re capable of running it? If Meridian Consortium collapses under your management, you’ll be wasting your father’s life’s work.”

Stephanie looked at Wilma calmly, as if puzzled. “But whether it collapses or not, isn’t that my own business?”

Wilma’s face turned ugly. “What kind of way is that to talk, young lady?”

Stephanie looked innocent. “But am I wrong?”

Ternence shot Wilma a glare, and she reluctantly fell silent.

He said sternly, “What has your son done now? Tell me!”

Wilma grumbled, “Quennel has always made us proud. What could he possibly have done? It’s all a misunderstanding. Stephanie is just making a mountain out of a molehill…

Stephanie tuned out the rest of their conversation and left the Gonzalez family home.

This wasn’t her home. They had been kind to her, but at best, she was an outsider.

As soon as she got in her car, Stephanie called Todd Carter, her father’s most trusted

confidant.

“Miss Jackson.‘

“Mr. Carter, I need your help. I want to sell Meridian Consortium. Can you find a suitable buyer for me?”

Todd was silent for a few seconds. “Are you sure about this?”

“Yes.”

Stephanie wasn’t skilled or interested in managing a company; she had her own career.

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She figured if she was going to make a clean break from Quennel, she had to cut all ties and stop relying on him.

After regaining control of the company, rather than letting Meridian Consortium fail in her hands, it was better to find a suitable buyer. That way, her father’s company might even reach new heights, fulfilling his lifelong ambition.

Stephanie added a warning, “Mr. Carter, the sale of the company must be kept secret. Don’t let Quennel find out for now.”

After all, Quennel had been at Meridian Consortium for six years. The company was now filled with his people, inside and out.