Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 55

Everything Ternence said showed his support for Stephanie, and she was grateful for his kindness.

She handed the prepared contract to Ternence.

"Mr. Gonzalez, I came today to discuss business. My company, Sapphire Group, has a project that I personally led the development on. If you'd take a look..."

Ternence didn't even glance at the contract. He said directly, "We'll sign it. We're family. Of course, I'll fully support a project you developed."

Ternence knew Stephanie had spent nearly three years developing the technology for this project. The specs were solid, and he'd looked into it some time ago.

In fact, his initial interest in partnering with Sapphire Group was precisely because of this technology.

Even setting that aside, with the Jackson family all gone, he felt a duty as an elder—whether out of guilt or compassion—to support the girl.

Ternence said, "You can head back. I'll sign the contract, and I'll have my people follow up with Sapphire Group on the remaining procedures."

Stephanie let out a breath of relief and stood up. "Thank you, Mr. Gonzalez."

Ternence looked at her, suddenly reminded of his old friend again.

His heart softened, and he said gently, "Stephanie, even if things didn't work out with Quennel, I'm still your family. If you ever run into any trouble you can't handle, you come to me. I'll always have your back."

A fresh wave of gratitude washed over Stephanie. Ternence was truly too good to her.

Even though she wouldn't be marrying Quennel, in her heart, she had long considered Ternence a second father.

After Stephanie left, Ternence looked at the two bottles of liquor on his desk.

Ternence was genuinely furious. This marriage had been arranged with Stephanie's father over twenty years ago, at Ternence's own suggestion.

Now, with the Jackson family gone because of him, he was already wracked with guilt. And to top it off, his son had turned around and found another woman.

How could he ever face Stephanie's father in the afterlife?

"The Jacksons only had one daughter, and she was cherished her whole life. You know how close I was with her father. Quennel, you need to think about the consequences of your actions! You foolish boy, how can I ever repay this debt?"

Quennel was stunned. "Dad, did Stephanie come to see you? She's misunderstanding things, and now you are too? There's nothing going on between me and Victoria."

"Nothing? If there's nothing, then why was that woman at Verdant Grove Capital today?"