Next Man, Better Plan novel 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.

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