Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 233

Zachary added several more, pulling out all the stops. He even ordered a portion of every luxury item, from caviar to foie gras.

“Stephanie, I’m not going to beat around the bush with you,” Zachary said as the food began to arrive.

“My people told me you met with someone from Orion Industries a couple of days ago. Are you considering working with them?”

Stephanie took a sip of coffee, knowing Zachary wasn’t finished.

Zachary continued, “Why don’t you just give me the bottom line? What price did they offer you?”

Stephanie smiled. “Mr. Wright, what price can you offer me?”

Zachary was taken aback. He hadn’t expected her to turn the question right back on him.

She looked young, but she was sharp.

Zachary leaned back in his chair. “How about this? Whatever price they gave you, I’ll knock a little more off of it.”

Stephanie countered, “And how much of a discount are you offering, Mr. Wright?”

Zachary fell silent again.

He had no idea what Orion Industries had offered her. If their profit margin was already razor-thin, undercutting them further would leave him with nothing. The deal wouldn’t even cover labor costs.

Seeing Zachary hesitate, Stephanie focused on her meal.

By the time dinner ended, they hadn’t reached any sort of agreement.

“It seems you haven’t made up your mind, Mr. Wright,” Stephanie said, standing up. “Why don’t you go back and run the numbers again? I’ll give it some more thought on my end as well.”

The central heating was turned up so high that she felt a bit warm. Stephanie left the private dining room and headed for the restroom.

Almost the second she went inside, a woman emerged from a shadowy corner outside the door.

“Are you sure this will work?” Morgan asked, looking at Victoria.

“Don’t worry. I’ve arranged everything. Even if something goes wrong, I guarantee it won’t be traced back to you.”

“Alright, then. I just want to get back at Quennel. Don’t take it too far and make a mess that can’t be cleaned up.”

Victoria’s voice was soft. “You saved my life. Even if something happens, I’ll take the fall for you.”

Reassured, Morgan felt much more at ease.

She never noticed the woman lunging at her from the corner, pressing a cloth over her mouth and nose.

By the time she realized what was happening, her limbs felt weak and limp. Then, she saw Victoria’s face.

Victoria reached out, catching Stephanie’s faltering body with a gentle smile. “Stephanie, long time no see.”

Stephanie’s face paled.

Didn’t Quennel say he had dealt with her?

Why was she still here?

She never should have trusted him…

Stephanie instinctively opened her mouth to scream for help, but the cloth must have been treated with something.

Her voice came out as a barely audible whisper. “Help… help me.”

Victoria smiled. “Save your strength. You’ll need it when you get to the bed.”

Stephanie was horrified.