Next Man Better Plan novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Victoria brought out a bowl of porridge and placed it on the dining table, along with two small side dishes she had thoughtfully prepared.

Quennel’s stomach was indeed unsettled. He hadn’t eaten anything last night before drinking on an empty stomach.

The porridge was light and sweet. As he ate, Quennel’s brow gradually relaxed. He hadn’t realized Victoria was a decent cook.

Victoria came out of the kitchen, looking rushed. “Quennel, I’m going to be late for work. The bus is packed during rush hour, and it’s a long walk to the bus stop from here.”

Quennel looked up. “What’s the hurry? Sit down and eat with me.”

The house had felt empty for a while. A three-story building with only him in it was eerily quiet.

Victoria was taken aback, surprised that Quennel would ask her to stay. “But I just started at my new company a couple of days ago…”

“I’ll drive you.”

Quennel simply wanted someone to talk to, to distract himself. But for Victoria, it was a

thrill.

The two made small talk as they ate. Quennel asked, “A new company? Are you settling in okay?”

Victoria nodded. “My colleagues are all pretty nice, and it’s a big company.”

“What’s it called?”

“Sapphire Group.”

Quennel froze, putting down his spoon in surprise.

“What’s wrong?” Victoria asked, looking confused.

“Nothing.” Quennel continued eating his porridge, thinking it was probably just a coincidence.

Finally, he said, “Stephanie works at that company too. Didn’t you know?”

Victoria blinked.

All she knew was that a big shot at the company had taken leave for their wedding a couple of days after she started. Her colleagues spoke of this person with great respect, and Victoria had been planning to get on their good side once they returned.

She never imagined that person was Stephanie.

1/2

12:09

Chapter 39

Suddenly, the porridge in front of her lost its taste. She forced a smile at Quennel.

“Quennel… I’m just a new hire. Do you think… Stephanie will give me a hard time on purpose?”

At this, Quennel’s face turned cold, and he instinctively defended her. “Don’t be ridiculous. Stephanie’s not that kind of person.”

Victoria lowered her gaze, hearing the protective tone in his voice. She said nothing more, as if she were about to cry.

Realizing his tone had been too harsh, Quenne softened his voice. “Stephanie has always been professional. As long as you do your job well at Sapphire Group, she won’t give you any trouble.”

“Okay.”

Soon after, they left together. The journey that would have taken over an hour by bus took less than thirty minutes in Quennel’s Rolls-Royce Phantom, which pulled up outside Sapphire Group.

Victoria got out of the car, then, as if remembering something, turned back and gave a lingering, reluctant wave to Quennel inside.

Quennel glanced at his watch. “You should go in.”

Victoria nodded and took a few steps, but then noticed Quennel’s car hadn’t left. It seemed like he was waiting for someone. Her heart sank.

Could he be waiting for Stephanie?

It was the morning rush, still half an hour before clock-in time at Sapphire Group. Victoria’s fingers curled into fists.

She waited at the company entrance for over ten minutes, and still, Quennel’s car remained parked there.

When she saw a few familiar colleagues approaching in the distance, Victoria suddenly spun around.

She ran back to the Rolls-Royce Phantom and, through the lowered window, wrapped her arms around Quennel’s neck. She boldly pressed her lips to his, kissing him softly.

2/2

12.09