Next Man Better Plan novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

The one who spoke was Yves, Quennel’s best friend and the host of tonight’s gathering.

Yves said, “Whatever the argument is, let’s put it aside for tonight. It’s my girlfriend’s birthday, so do me a favor.”

Someone else chimed in immediately, “Yeah, Mr. Gonzalez has only had eyes for you all these years. Everyone knows how deep your love is. If you fight with him, he’ll get drunk later and end up crying on our shoulders again”

“Don’t spread rumors. When has Mr. Gonzalez ever cried? He just hugs a bottle and says, ‘Stephanie, I love you.”

The room erupted in laughter.

Quennel shot them a glare. “Alright, that’s enough. Stephanie is shy. Don’t joke like that in front of her.”

With that, Quennel ordered all the men in the room to put out their cigarettes.

“If you want to smoke, go outside. My Stephanie doesn’t like the smell. Don’t let it bother her.”

The Gonzalez family was at the top of Veridian’s social hierarchy, and Quennel’s words carried weight in their circle.

As soon as he spoke, all the men in the room stubbed out their cigarettes in unison.

He played the part of the perfect gentleman so well that if Stephanie left now, she would seem unreasonable.

Besides, she hadn’t sold the company yet, so she couldn’t afford to make things too tense and arouse Quennel’s suspicions.

For the next ten minutes, Quennel transformed into a doting husband, peeling grapes for Stephanie and blowing warm air onto her cold hands.

In the past, Stephanie might have been captivated by such gestures.

But now, she felt that Quennel was probably just a performer.

Stephanie remained silent throughout.

She felt like a bystander, numbly watching the scene unfold, yet she couldn’t help but think: if only Quennel hadn’t changed.

If he hadn’t, she would be basking in his sweet and tender care right now.

But there were no ‘if onlys‘ in life.

At one point, Quennel went to the restroom. Stephanie seized the opportunity to leave, as

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Chapter 9

she had important business to attend to.

Unexpectedly, Victoria approached her, her eyes red and tearful.

“The house you’re living in now? Quennel took me there a long time ago.”

Stephanie stopped in her tracks and looked at her. “What did you say?”

Victoria had been provoked tonight.

Watching Quennel and Stephanie’s public display of affection had filled her with a

jealousy that was driving her mad.

Quennel hadn’t even glanced her way the entire evening, leaving her with the bitter taste of being ignored.

Originally, Victoria hadn’t planned to confront Stephanie so soon.

But she’d had a little to drink tonight, and the alcohol gave her courage. She wasn’t going to hold back any longer.

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