Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 73

Jonathan looked directly at Stephanie's flushed cheeks, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Why was she getting so flustered?

“You came to me to acquire Meridian Consortium because you value my abilities and believe I can take the company to the next level, didn't you?”

Jonathan let out a low chuckle. “A marriage alliance, isn’t that an excellent proposal? It would solve all your problems in one go.”

Stephanie’s head was spinning. It must have been the wine. What on earth was happening?

Jonathan had just finished arguing with his girlfriend on the phone, saying he was going to dump her, and now he was hitting on her?

Stephanie thought back to the last time they met at the club, when he had suddenly leaned in and given her that lingering, passionate kiss.

Had Jonathan been interested in her since then?

Right, so… could the reason he was breaking up with his girlfriend be… because of her?

Stephanie's expression suddenly turned serious.

She didn't want to be the reason another girl got hurt, even unintentionally…

What would happen to his girlfriend?

What a scumbag, jumping from one woman to the next without even a moment's pause. He couldn't even end one relationship before eagerly starting another.

Definitely not a good man. A total playboy.

Though she thought this, Stephanie couldn't say it out loud.

Her gaze, however, became wary.

“Marrying me,” Jonathan said, tugging at his tie, “is a good deal.”

Stephanie lowered her eyes, her voice laced with an unexpected innocence. “But… I’m already married.”

Her words made Jonathan’s brow snap together. His cool eyes narrowed, a hint of displeasure coloring his tone.

“Ms. Jackson, even if you want to reject me, you don’t have to resort to such a ridiculous joke.”

She could neglect anyone but her own stomach.

It seemed the plan to sell the company would have to wait. The Jonathan route wasn't going to work.

Besides, Stephanie could see right through him. Jonathan wanted to get something for nothing.

He didn't want to spend a penny, yet he expected her to hand over the company.

His marriage proposal served that purpose, didn't it?

Maybe the reason he was dumping his girlfriend was because he was an extreme egoist who valued profit above all else.

Stephanie ladled a bowl of soup for herself, and the burning in her stomach slowly subsided.

She glanced at the plum wine on the table. It tasted sweet, but the kick was stronger than she'd expected. Her head was starting to feel heavy and muddled.

Stephanie stood up and walked outside, planning to catch a cab home.