Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 165

Stephanie was the type who didn't usually dress up, but when she did, no other woman her age wanted to stand beside her, for fear of being reduced to a mere backdrop for her beauty.

Vivian noticed her immediately. Her eyes fell on Stephanie's gown, and she froze.

That dress... Vivian bit her lip, a flicker of pure envy in her eyes.

"Stephanie."

Hearing her name, Stephanie instinctively turned.

Quennel, dressed in a sapphire blue suit, was striding toward her.

He held a glass of whiskey, his tall frame a natural clothes horse. The suit accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, making him look as if he'd stepped right out of a graphic novel.

Stephanie looked at the suit, a sense of familiarity prickling at her.

Wasn't that the men's suit from the boutique?

How did it end up... on Quennel?

Quennel smiled as he approached, his eyes lighting up with admiration when he saw what Stephanie was wearing.

"Stephanie, it seems we're on the same wavelength, wearing matching outfits."

It was Susan's birthday, and Stephanie had no desire to cause a scene.

When Quennel reached out to put an arm around her shoulder, she simply turned, picked up a glass of red wine from a passing waiter's tray, and walked away, murmuring coolly over her shoulder:

"The same wavelength? I'd call it a bad omen."

Her cold, dismissive attitude made Quennel's brow furrow.

Was she really going to embarrass him in front of all these people?

She used to be so tactful. This wasn't like her.

Quennel's hand hung awkwardly in mid-air, the smile on his face slowly stiffening. An indescribable irritation welled up inside him.

He had thought that after a night to cool off, she might have come to her senses.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have sent him an invitation to Susan's birthday party.

Just exchanging a few words with Quennel had set her heart pounding uncontrollably.

His voice was so pleasant, and his nod was so refined and courteous—the perfect gentlemanly air.

He was simply too charming. It sent a thrill through her.

That one phrase, "Ms. Yates," was enough to make her swoon. Vivian's eyes filled with determination. She had to seize this opportunity to get closer to Quennel.

But... it seemed he still had feelings for Stephanie.

As long as Stephanie was around, Quennel would probably never notice her.

Vivian beckoned a waiter over and whispered something in his ear.

The waiter paused, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

Vivian's face hardened. "Do as I say, or you can walk out of here right now!"

The waiter knew Vivian was the young lady of the Yates family, and that this hotel belonged to them. He had no choice but to obey.