Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 181

“What the hell were you thinking today? Trying to be some kind of hero? Do you have any idea who Arnold is? He started his own business before he was twenty, built an empire from scratch. He’s forgotten more about business than you’ll ever know. You’ve been in charge of the group for what, a few days? And you’re already so arrogant you’d throw a drink in his face in public?”

A torrent of accusations poured from the receiver. In the enclosed space of the car, with Stephanie and Jonathan sitting side-by-side, it was impossible not to overhear.

The voice on the other end belonged to a middle-aged man, and from the tone, Stephanie guessed it was Jonathan's father.

The same man, York, who had subjected him to strict, often harsh, discipline since childhood.

In the month since their whirlwind marriage, Stephanie had yet to meet any of the Vasquez family besides Jonathan’s mother.

But she hadn’t expected the news of today's incident to travel so fast. It couldn't have been more than fifteen minutes, yet York already knew.

Jonathan’s face was a blank mask, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

The colorful neon lights from outside flickered across his handsome features, casting his brow in a cool, detached light.

“Are you deaf or dumb? Can’t you hear me talking to you? Jonathan, I put you in that position, and I can just as easily take you out of it. Don’t you believe me?”

A flicker of derision crossed Jonathan's eyes. “Like I care.”

Just then, the car entered a tunnel, and the signal weakened. York must not have heard him clearly. “What did you say? Jonathan, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten your own name over some woman!”

Jonathan leaned back, draping an arm casually over the armrest, a hint of playful mockery in his voice. “I guess this is what they call true love.”

Stephanie froze.

Had Jonathan overheard what she’d said to Quennel at the party?

“Stephanie, you used to care so much about my feelings.”

“You said it yourself—used to. Now, I only care about my husband’s feelings. I guess this is what they call true love.”

Stephanie’s fingers trembled slightly.

Oh, she’d only said that to provoke Quennel. She never thought Jonathan would actually hear it.

York continued his tirade for a few more moments, with Jonathan listening in complete silence.

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