Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 67

Another flicker of astonishment crossed Steven’s face.

Did he hear her correctly? She didn't want money?

How was that possible?

She had gone to the trouble of scheming her way in through Mrs. Vasquez Sr. for money. What else could she possibly want? Surely not the young master himself?

This woman before him carried herself with an air of effortless grace. Her every move, even the way she sat, was perfectly poised, suggesting she came from a well-bred family.

Steven was no longer sure of himself. He found himself being led by her. “Then what do you want, Ms. Jackson?”

“Nothing at all.” Stephanie was completely nonchalant. She took her phone out of her purse and held it out, her slender, pale hand extended.

“Why don’t we add each other on WhatsApp first? When you’ve confirmed a date for the divorce proceedings, just send me a message. I’ll be there on time.”

Steven looked down, his gaze unintentionally drawn to her fair fingers. They were clearly the hands of someone who had never done a day of housework, with neatly trimmed, clean nails. They were perfectly shaped, ideal for playing the piano.

Realizing his lapse, Steven quickly averted his eyes.

He fumbled for his own phone, and sent a friend request.

Steven, who was always in control, suddenly realized he had been letting her lead the entire conversation.

He sent her his name and couldn't help but ask again, “Are you absolutely sure you don’t want any compensation? Money? A house? Or perhaps…”

“I don’t need any of it.”

It was getting late, and the wine from earlier was making Stephanie sleepy.

She put down the documents and stood up. “It’s quite late tonight, and I don’t think your young master will be coming home. I’ll move out tomorrow morning.”

Steven hesitated. He knew his boss hated having strangers invade his personal space.

Jonathan stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of his hotel penthouse, looking down at the city with an air of casual dominance.

He was wearing a loosely tied silk robe, the top two buttons undone. He lowered his gaze slightly. “Is that so? What did she ask for?”

Steven replied, “She didn’t ask for anything.”

Jonathan was skeptical. “And she just signed the papers?”

“Yes, she signed them.”

Jonathan didn't believe it. “Steven, does it sound plausible that a woman who went to such lengths to get close to my grandmother would want nothing? Have you fallen for her tricks too?”

Steven hesitated before voicing his thoughts. “From what I saw, Ms. Jackson seems like a decent person. Perhaps… perhaps the marriage was just a coincidence?”

“Steven,” Jonathan said, his tone growing serious as he rubbed his temples, “you’ve dealt with all sorts of people over the years. How could you let one woman fool you? Is she very beautiful?”