Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 45

Stephanie was clearly distracted as she walked out of the conference room.

It wasn't that she absolutely had to become the assistant director.

She didn't really care about such empty titles, but she had started this research back in college and had been working on it for two full years now.

The research had finally shown some progress, and she had poured countless hours and immense effort into this technology. Sapphire Group had even assembled a dedicated team for her.

The team wasn't large, only three or five people, but every single one of them had complete faith in the technology.

She couldn't let years of the entire team's hard work go down the drain because of her personal issues with Quennel. She wasn't the type to mix business with personal matters.

Stephanie tried to reassure herself. Ternence was the head of Verdant Grove Capital. Quennel hadn't been involved in his family's business for years, so this probably had nothing to do with him.

Besides, she was confident in her research. Ternence was a capitalist; he prioritized profit and would know which choice was better for business.

Having reasoned it out, Stephanie stopped dwelling on it.

She picked up her phone and sent a message to Ternence: "Mr. Gonzalez, when are you free? I'd like to meet with you."

While Stephanie was weighing her options, Victoria was feeling lost.

Of course, she knew Verdant Grove Capital belonged to the Gonzalez family. But Quennel had joined Meridian Consortium right after graduation and hadn't spent a single day at his family's company. He might not have any influence there.

A man like Ternence was someone Victoria had only ever seen on TV. The thought of suddenly having to sit down and discuss business with him made her nervous and insecure.

She was well aware of the history between Stephanie and the Gonzalez family, and she knew that Stephanie's father and brothers had died for Ternence.

With that connection, the answer to who Ternence would choose seemed obvious.

Victoria realized she didn't stand much of a chance against Stephanie. Ternence didn't even know who she was. Showing up unannounced would only lead to humiliation.

Stephanie left the lab, ready to head home for the day.

Normally, she'd still be running data at this hour, but today was different. She had to move.

Living in a hotel wasn't a long-term solution. She had the keys to the house at The Obsidian Circle, and since her new, unseen husband was still in the military, the house was empty. She decided to move her things there.

Stephanie first went to the hotel front desk to retrieve the luggage she'd stored there, then took a taxi to The Obsidian Circle.

Figuring the new house wouldn't have any of her personal items, she stopped by a nearby supermarket to buy a toothbrush, towels, and a pair of slippers.

The drive was smooth and uneventful.

When she arrived at her new home, Stephanie took in the sight of the three-story house.

The Obsidian Circle was a high-end residential community in Veridian, a mix of apartment buildings and houses. The house she was standing in front of was perfectly situated, boasting a beautiful view, excellent lighting, and a peaceful environment.