Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 51

At ten in the morning, Stephanie arrived promptly at the Verdant Grove Capital building.

She called Ternence, but there was no answer.

Remembering Ternence had mentioned a meeting around nine when they'd arranged to meet, she figured it was probably still running long. So, she took a seat in the lobby to wait.

She sent a quick text: [Mr. Gonzalez, I've arrived.]

Stephanie wasn't a frequent visitor to Verdant Grove Capital, so the receptionist didn't recognize her but politely offered her a cup of coffee.

Stephanie thanked her and settled quietly in the waiting area.

A few minutes later, Victoria walked in.

Victoria smiled as she approached the front desk, stating her purpose: "I'm your chairman's future daughter-in-law. I need to see my father-in-law, could you please buzz me through?"

Sitting off to the side, Stephanie's brow furrowed instantly.

Future daughter-in-law?

Had Quennel made things official with Victoria so quickly?

Then again, at the club the other day, Victoria had been cradling her stomach, claiming she was pregnant. With a child on the way, it made sense they'd want to make it legitimate.

Stephanie gave a sarcastic smile. All those years, completely wasted.

She just wondered what Ternence's attitude would be toward Victoria, the woman carrying his grandchild.

Lost in thought, Stephanie pondered the chances of her partnership proposal succeeding.

More confusingly, why had Ternence arranged for both of them to meet with him at the same time?

After Victoria announced herself, the receptionist gave her a skeptical, once-over look.

Working at Verdant Grove Capital, the receptionists were well-informed. They knew the chairman did have a highly regarded future daughter-in-law.

Victoria dialed Quennel's number directly.

"Quennel, I'm downstairs at Verdant Grove Capital, but the receptionist is blocking me. What's going on? Is your name not good enough around here? Or do these receptionists just not care that you're the heir to this place?"

Her voice took on a wronged tone. "But last night you told me everything was arranged and I could just come over. Maybe I should just go home."

The call was on speakerphone, loud enough for both the receptionist and Stephanie to hear every word.

Quennel was silent for a moment. He had promised Victoria last night, but the matter had completely slipped his mind this morning, so he hadn't informed anyone at Verdant Grove Capital.

Quennel said, "Put the receptionist on."

Victoria obeyed, coldly tossing her phone onto the front desk.

The receptionist immediately picked up the phone, her tone becoming gentle. "Mr. Gonzalez."

Although Quennel didn't work there, he was the chairman's son. Everyone knew he had his own business and hadn't taken over Verdant Grove Capital for that reason.